HM Royal to distribute OCSiAl graphene nanotubes in US

Columbus, Ohio – US chemical distributor HM Royal has signed an exclusive deal with OCSiAl to distribute its graphene nanotube solutions for the US elastomer market.

The agreement is part of HM Royal’s strategy to expand its offering to the silicones market, which is seeing an increase in demand, explained HM Royal president Joseph Royal.

The company currently offers a broad range of polymers, such as high-consistency rubber, liquid silicone rubber, and room temperature vulcanisation rubber, as well as cross-linking peroxides, said the company official 21 June.

“OCSiAl graphene nanotubes grant a unique combination of targeted conductive performance with retained elasticity, improved mechanical properties, and the ability to add colour.

“We recognise their potential in a number of applications,” Royal added.

OCSiAl produces Tuball-branded graphene nanotubes, which can create a 3D conductive network inside the rubber matrix when used in elastomers.

According to the Luxembourg-based manufacturer, low dosages starting from 0.05 wt.% provide targeted electrical conductivity without leading to drawbacks in elasticity or hardening.

Such properties are particularly important for a number of applications, including conductive vehicle components, flexible silicone electrodes and sensors, cable connectors and sleeves, and car tires.

OCSiAl also offers a pre-dispersed, 'drop-in' form of graphene nanotube, branded Tuball Matrix, in order to simplify nanotube handling in conventional manufacturing processes.

“HM Royal will market concentrates based on polymer-friendly carriers and pre-dispersed graphene nanotubes, which simplify their handling and make it possible to maintain the original compounding and moulding process,” said Ian Fellows, CEO, OCSiAl USA.

According to the official, nanotube solutions for silicones are the main focus of collaboration for now.

However, the supplier plans to extend offering further to other rubbers such as FKM, EPDM, NBR, and HNBR.