Bayer MaterialScience is introducing a new grade of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at the Nanotech trade show in Tokyo from February 17 to 19. Compared with the existing product Baytubes® C 150 P, the CNTs with the trade name Baytubes® C 70 P are characterized by improved dispersibility, making them highly suited to use in mechanically sensitive polymers. Furthermore, economic advantages can result from the shorter times required to disperse the nanotube agglomerates in water and other low-viscosity liquids.
"This new trial product is our response to inquiries from our customers, who are looking for better dispersibility from the Baytubes® agglomerates. The new product is more easily incorporated than Baytubes® C 150 P, as reflected by its greatly reduced bulk density of just 45 to 95 kilograms per cubic meter. Therefore, Baytubes® C 70 P are ideal for direct incorporation in mechanically sensitive thermoplastics," explains Dr. Heiko Hocke, a carbon nanotubes specialist at Bayer MaterialScience. "With regard to their other properties, the two Baytubes® grades are virtually the same." Multi-wall carbon nanotubes, with their very large length-to-diameter ratio, display very high tensile strength and exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity.
Baytubes® are agglomerated CNTs and offer a very high degree of purity. The agglomerates can be easily and safely handled and efficiently processed. Even small amounts are capable of imparting new properties to dispersions, plastics, metals and other materials. The potential fields of application for these modified materials range from sporting goods to the electronics industry and mechanical engineering.
Bayer MaterialScience is one of the few companies worldwide capable of manufacturing carbon nanotubes with a high degree of purity and a consistent level of quality on an industrial scale, thanks to an innovative processing method developed in-house. Only recently, a new pilot plant for CNTs with an annual capacity of 200 tons has been inaugurated in Leverkusen.
With 2008 sales of EUR 9.7 billion, Bayer MaterialScience is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and the sports and leisure industries. At the end of 2008, Bayer MaterialScience had 30 production sites and employed approximately 15,100 people around the globe. Bayer MaterialScience is a Bayer Group company.