Datwyler: Where could electrically conductive elastomers be used?

ALTDORF, Switzerland—What is the easiest way to determine the most likely applications for electrically conductive rubber?

Ask an open question to the public at-large, offer a $5,400 award for the 10 best ideas and then get to work.

The "Open Innovation Campaign" is the philosophy for Datwyler, the precision molder of elastomer products for a range of industries that has perfected electrically conductive elastomer materials.

"We are seeking ideas and proposals that identify system-critical components ... and are related to our core competencies of material expertise, solution design and operational excellence," the company states on its website. "Given Datwyler's presence in the B2B sector, our focus is on opportunities that serve the functionality of a system."

Typically, elastomers are non-conductive, and insulary for a reason.

Electrically conductive elastomers are a mixture of rubber and conductive particles and fillers that improve conductivity.

The material can be applied where it can provide electrical grounding and shielding, static discharge, electromagnetic interference protection and other applications.

Datwyler said it has been able to add the conductivity without sacrificing performance characteristics.

"With the public call for ideas on the use of electrically conductive rubber, the company is now also relying on the innovative power of outside sources," the company said in a March 21 release.

Anyone not employed by Datwyler can submit ideas. Employees are able to participate in a separate internal campaign.

Public submissions can be made through April 5. They will be evaluated from April 5-12, and judges (comprising Datwyler employees using predefined criteria) will form a shortlist, with the winner to be announced by June 21.

About $2,100 (2,000 Swiss francs) goes to first place, while the remaining money is divvied up accordingly.

According to Datwyler's website, more than 150 ideas had been received from at least 48 participants.

Ideas thus far include electrodes for stimulation and therapeutic use, expansion joints, sieves, bellows, gaskets and tubes, and suction cups.

"Datwyler is expanding its in-house capabilities through a focus on electrically conductive materials, which is one of the focuses in the so called ETEMI Project," the company stated.