US customised thermoplastics compounder RTP (Winona, Minnesota; www.rtpcompany.com) has extended its range of conductive compounds through the introduction of materials specifically designed for extrusion processes and applications. Produced to achieve the highest level of uniform carbon black dispersion, the company’s conductive extrusion compounds are claimed to provide consistent electrical conductivity, electrostatic discharge protection (ESD), and improved physical properties.

The company said that thin extrusions require accurate control of carbon loadings to maintain consistent conductivity over the entire extruded product. Neil Hardwick, marketing manager for conductive products at RTP, said: “Extrusion compounds require special attention to both formulation and manufacturing details. RTP takes special care to select the correct polymer and fillers to provide the best results for customers.”

Some of the most popular applications for flexible conductive extrusion compounds include vacuum hoses, ESD tubing, wire and cable, and geomembrane films used across a large range of applications in the industrial, automotive, pharmaceutical and electronics markets. Common applications for rigid extrusion compounds include industrial pipes and ESD packaging sheets.