To transform electrically insulating polymers into conductive materials, conductive fillers are incorporated into the polymer matrix through melt compounding. Carbon black is the preferred filler due to its ease of handling and low cost, assuming the resulting color is acceptable. A key challenge in this process is optimizing conditions to ensure homogeneous distribution of carbon black in the polymer matrix, maintaining its shear-sensitive structure to form a continuous, electrically conductive network at a low percolation threshold. This study investigates the impact of planetary roller extruder (PWE) process technology on the electrical conductivity of carbon black-filled polyolefins. Compounds based on polyethylene and polypropylene are produced under varying conditions and carbon black contents. The electrical conductivity of injection molded and pressed specimens is measured, alongside their morphological and mechanical properties. Results show that for injection molded samples, introducing carbon black directly into the melt zone of the PWE yields the highest conductivity, while pressed samples exhibit the lowest. Notably, the electrical conductivity is more influenced by the type and content of carbon black and the processing method than by the PWE technology itself. Additionally, mechanical properties reveal that increased carbon black content reduces impact strength and elongation at break, while enhancing tensile mo
Thomas Taufertshöfer Livres
