Mechnano T50B Low-Viscosity Masterbatch Offers Enhanced Mechanical Performance, ESD Capabilities

Mechnano, in partnership with Bomar, has created the T50B Masterbatch, which is a specialized lower viscosity material aimed at additive manufacturing (AM) industry formulators. The Masterbatch uses Mechnano’s proprietary technology, known as D’Func (discrete, dispersed and functionalized carbon nanotubes), which enables the development of AM resins with enhanced mechanical properties and uniform electrical performance on a nano scale.

“Mechnano research and development teams continue to enhance our technologies and expand our product portfolio for the AM industry,” says Dr. Olga Ivanova, Mechnano director of Applications and Technology. “The initial feedback from beta customers has been extremely positive, demonstrating enhanced mechanical performance, in addition to ESD capabilities.”

The T50B is a masterbatch with high CNT concentration and low viscosity, designed to seamlessly blend into resin formulas without the need for intensive shear mixing processes. The proprietary blend of Bomar resins used for the dispersion base enables a broad range of resin types and technologies, such as tough, flexible and elastic AM resins suitable for SLA, DLP or jetting print methodologies. The electric resistivity of the final formulation can be adjusted from 105-1010 Ω, making it an excellent choice for the development of low surface resistivity resins. Also, incorporating T50B into tough and flexible formulas has demonstrated enhancements in mechanical performance such as tensile strength and modulus.

“This new dispersion is exactly what the industry has been looking for — a versatile, highly concentrated dispersion that enables maximum formulation flexibility and provides excellent ESD properties, all while maintaining printability in UV-based print systems,” says David Robitaille, global brand director for Bomar.

The T50B product offered by Mechnano incorporates its D’Func technology, which specifically targets the problem of clumped and roped carbon nanotubes (CNTs) present in materials. The primary objective is to enhance both the mechanical and electrical performance of AM resins. By effectively eliminating these clumps and functionalizing CNTs, Mechnano ensures the stability of its CNT-based masterbatches. This element holds significant importance as clumped CNTs have been proven to adversely affect the mechanical properties of materials, resulting in subpar overall performance of the components. The T50B can be obtained directly from Mechnano or through its partner, Bomar.