OCSiAl, the world leader in single-wall carbon nanotubes manufacturing and BÜFA Composite Systems, the leading European manufacturer of composite materials have agreed a partnership that will see BÜFA expand the production and marketing of OCSiAl's TUBALL™ nanotubes-based concentrates and resin formulations.
Both companies signed an essential Memorandum of Understanding at the Nanoagmented Materials Industry Summit 2016 which was held on 14-16 November in Novosibirsk, Russia.
BÜFA Composite Systems, the European supplier of high-grade products and system solutions in composites and OCSiAl Group, the leading global manufacturer of universal additive TUBALL™ single wall carbon nanotubes have signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Nanoaugmented Materials Industry Summit 2016.
Under the terms of the agreement, OCSiAl is to supply BÜFA with TUBALL™ nanotubes. BÜFA in turn will utilize nanotubes and OCSiAl’s unique technologies for their introduction into materials to manufacture and market TUBALL™-based modifiers under its own brand.
In addition, OCSiAl is to grant BÜFA a license to manufacture its cutting-edge super concentrate TUBALL™ MATRIX – the first ever cost-effective nanotubes introduction technology capable of transcending the limits of nanotubes concentration in a range of materials.
Ultra-low loadings of TUBALL™ MATRIX are sufficient to create uniform 3D networks in materials’ system. A strong conductive network not only guarantees uniform conductivity, but also increases materials’ important mechanical properties such as strength, fracture and abrasion resistance.
This latest development comes on the back of a successful two-year long working relationship. At present, BÜFA is manufacturing and marketing TUBALL™-based masterbatches based on polyester and epoxy resins for applications in coatings and composite materials.
Lothar Kempf, BÜFA Managing Director, said: “BÜFA has developed resin formulations for gelcoats and for GRP-composites based on OCSiAl nanotubes.
A concentration of just 0.05% of TUBALL™ has allowed us not only to adjust the surface resistivity of our gelcoat to 104 Ω/sq, but also to preserve the mechanical properties and maintain the existing formulation and processing.
Now we are working on enhancing the mechanical properties of composites materials with TUBALL™." These nanotubes-modified gelcoats are for instance currently applied as a coating for electrical switch cabinet in areas exposed to explosion hazards.
BÜFA is a key OCSiAl partner in the field of resins and composites materials. OCSiAl is committed to further collaboration and simplifying its partner’s activities by supporting EU regulation authorities’ initiatives on providing the market with an in-depth understanding of nanotubes composition, their safety and risk management.
OCSiAl recently completed the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) for TUBALL™.
This registration proves that TUBALL™ single wall carbon nanotubes fully comply with EU regulations, and are now available at industrial volumes.
Bernd Runge, OCSiAl Europe Vice President