Roxtec develops anti-static rubber with nanomaterial blend

TULSA, Okla.—Sealing systems supplier Roxtec Inc. has tapped nanomaterials to develop anti-static rubber, which can help control electrical charges.

In a Jan. 26 statement, Roxtec said it had "optimally blended" nanomaterials such as nanotubes and graphene with rubber to create anti-static rubber.

"We actually have a new patent protecting modular-based cable and pipe transits made of a dissipative rubber or plastic material," said Daniel Strang, lead innovation engineer within product development at Roxtec.

A dissipative material is only conductive to a certain degree and often used to control electrical charges.

"In our lab, we have the capacity we need to not only mix the different ingredients in the rubber, but also to perfectly distribute and atomize the particles we add," said Panch Svensson, material specialist.

Roxtec scientists, he said, have been able to create anti-static rubber while also increasing the fire resistance capacity.

The research team said it expected to have a final rubber compound "rather soon" as they had acquired a patent and the prototypes and test results showed "that we have succeeded."

According to Roxtec, key applications for the new compound will be mainly in safety products for different industries and challenging projects.