Four New Flexible Vinyl Compounds Impart Static-Dissipation Properties in Electronics, Medical, and Industrial Uses

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PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND, U.S.A., May 1, 2002: Drawing on a quarter-century of experience in manufacturing electrically conductive flexible vinyl on a custom basis, Teknor Apex has developed four standard compounds for applications requiring electromagnetic shielding or static discharge, it was announced today by Philip Morin, Industry Manager.

Tradenamed Vidux (R), the new carbon black-filled compounds include three extrusion grades with Shore A Hardness ratings from 76 to 91 and volume resistivities from 2.5 to 8.5 ohm-cm, and an injection molding grade with Shore A hardness of 93 and volume resistivity of 6.4 ohm-cm. By comparison, nonconductive vinyl typically has resistivities in the range of 100 trillion ohm-cm, and plastics with antistatic chemical additives have resistivities of 10 billion ohm-cm.

Teknor Apex anticipates use of the new Vidux compounds in grounding, shielding, flooring, cable jacketing, and other applications in electronics manufacturing, computer rooms, hospitals, textile mills, and audio systems. In such environments, electromagnetic interference (EMI) can disrupt signals, while static electricity can cause short circuits or pose a fire hazard.

"The technology that we have developed for incorporating conductive carbon black fillers enables us to produce highly uniform flexible vinyl compounds," Morin said. "Consistent dispersion of filler is especially important for applications involving sensitive electronic devices, where even slight disruptions in shielding could cause equipment failure."

The new Vidux compounds are available throughout the world. Priced in the U.S. in the $1.60 to $2.00/lb. range for truckload quantities, they cost less than products whose conductivity is derived from metal or carbon fiber fillers, Morin noted.