This Report has been authored by:Nicole Hershberger at Sid Richardson Carbon & Energy Co. #with# Joel Neilsen at Sid Richardson Carbon & Energy Co. #with# Wesley Wampler at Sid Richardson Carbon & Energy Co. #with# Leszek Nikiel at Sid Richardson Carbon & Energy Co.

There are many instances where it is necessary to modify, control and measure the electrical resistivity (or inversely conductivity) of filled rubber compounds. Carbon black forms the network that controls the conductivity in a compound and thus understanding how it impacts the rubber compound is important. First, a significant improvement to the testing of filled compound resistivity is presented. Next, studies are shown that demonstrate the intrinsic level of resistivity of carbon black by itself, which is critical to understand the limit of resistivity that can be expected from carbon black. This leads to the main topic of how carbon black type and loading impact compound resistivity. Specific studies show how compounders can obtain the required resistivities through choices of carbon black, polymer type and mixing techniques. Several of the studies herein show how the different Sidcon conductive grades can be used to meet conductivity needs.