So far it was less known that plastics can have insulating and conductive characteristics. The thermal or electric conductivity of new thermoplastics makes them an excellent substitute for standard plastics to prevent static charge due to high surface resistance or to eliminate heat build-up.
By adding special carbon blacks we can reduce the surface resistance and/or increase the conductivity of plastics. Good anti-static and electrically conductive surfaces are required for many parts in aviation, automotive industry, computers and IT, household appliances, E&E, health and industry. The heat dissipation plays a particular important role in the use of handles and levers in electric tools and machinery or in electronic compounds and casings.
Meanwhile there is a multitude of thermoplastics available by several manufacturers that have either conductive or insulating properties. Conductive compounds are available on the basis of PE, PP, PS, PA 6, PA12 and POM.