Alternative to costly carbon

Conductive Composites, based in Heber Cirty, Utah, USA, is commercially launching new nickel chemical vapour deposition (CVD) coated nonwovens following a manufacturing line expansion which has doubled its production capabilities.

The markets these products are being aimed at include:

• Electromagnetic shielding.
• Embedded conductivity.
• Lightning strike protection.
• Surfacing.
• Reflectivity.
• Cable wrapping.
• Prepregs.
• Filtering.
• Heating.
• Energy Storage.
• Catalysis.

This new product brings several advantages to the marketplace. CVD coated nonwovens are lighter, thinner, and more conductive than nonwovens that are made with conductive fibres.
Using the CVD method, every external surface is coated and protected, and the resistivity of the sheet can be engineered to very low levels. In fact, they are said to have the highest specific shielding performance of any composite solution. Performance characteristics match or exceed sheets of carbon nanomaterials at a much more competitive price and in a continuous roll format.

The continuously coated nonwovens can be wet processed (since the binder is protected) and conductivity can be engineered with less dependence on caliper.
Coating substrates include carbon fibre, aramid and carbon nanomaterials and there is no change to conductivity when the materials infused or cured.
In addition, the nickel provides corrosion resistance and magnetic properties.

“We are pleased to announce the commercialisation of this new product,” said President Nathan Hansen. “CVD coated nonwovens have clear performance advantages, and we are excited to be able to provide this material in increased volumes for both our existing and developing markets. CVD coated nonwovens bring game-changing performance and significant cost savings to our customers. Our investment in capacity expansion and commercialisation reinforces our commitment to bringing competitive materials to the marketplace.”

Conductive Composites creates materials and technologies that enable electrical conductivity and electromagnetic capabilities in composites and plastics. Its products are key ingredients that deliver performance for proven applications. Materials are manufactured by proprietary methods on commercial grade production lines in ISO:9001 compliant facilities. Conductive Composites is a customer-focused and continual improvement based organization that strives to exceed expectations.