OCSiAl makes a breakthrough in the 3C field: graphene nanotubes have both conductivity and transparency

Graphene nanotubes can be used to provide advanced protective, functional and aesthetic films for consumer electronics.

In 3C coatings, graphene nanotubes ensure the film’s stable conductivity, high transparency and durability.

Nanotube-based solutions are applied via standard processes and are compatible with a variety of carriers such as silica gel, IPA, NMP, MEK, xylene, toluene, water, butyl, and ethyl acetate.

Films play a vital role in the consumer electronics industry, protecting smartphones, tablets and laptops from scratches, fingerprints and dust. As the demand for such devices continues to grow, the need for protective coatings that combine functionality and aesthetics is also expanding, with the global market expected to grow at a growth rate of 5.33% by 2027. Graphene nanotubes offer a unique solution that combines permanent conductivity and high transparency in 3C product coatings without requiring changes to standard processes or equipment.

A new generation of antistatic agents graphene nanotubes, form a 3D conductivity-enhancing network within the material starting at a concentration of just 0.04 wt.%. Thanks to this extremely low concentration, the nanotubes maintain up to 80% product transparency and keep haze values below 6%. This is due to the unique morphology of graphene nanotubes.

Graphene nanotubes have extremely high length-to-diameter ratios and large surface areas, combined with excellent electrical and thermal properties and high strength, ensures a stable, permanent resistivity of 10^4–10^9 Ω/sq within the material. This gives the film dust resistance and touchscreen compatibility. 

Vilson Jiang, sales manager for coatings and composites at OCSiAl China, elaborates:"Transparent conductive films made with graphene nanotubes can be applied even without a primer, simplifying the production process and making the final product more cost-effective."

In addition to thin film coatings, graphene nanotubes are also widely used in other types of polymer coatings, such as anti-static flooring, conductive primers, anti-static powder coatings, tank lining coatings, etc. OCSiAl and its OEM partners are currently producing graphene nanotube solutions for coatings in Europe and Asia.