We have a unique level of control over the electrical properties of our conductive nonwovens. This enables them to be used in a broad range of applications; such as conductive tapes or carriers, providing de-icing by resistive heating as well as dissipation of static charge.
Our conductive nonwovens are made from carbon fibre or metal coated carbon fibre. The fibres for the latter are manufactured ‘in-house’ at our subsidiary Electro Fiber Technologies (EFT). EFT provides the capability to uniformly apply a metal coating onto the surface of fibres. Coating type and weight can be fine-tuned to deliver specific electrical or shielding properties. This enables us to have unique control over the level of conductivity as well as ensuring consistent properties throughout the nonwoven structure.
TFP’s conductive nonwovens are used to impart electrical conductivity to parts or component housing. They can be used as supplied or readily incorporated into a composite structure to provide a conductive surfacing layer. They are compatible with composite and aircraft assembly techniques, are conformable and exhibit resistance to flex fatigue. The level of conductivity, like shielding, is dependent on the fibre type, metal coating and areal weight. Typical values are tabulated below.
| Areal Weight (g/m2) | Carbon (20301A) Surface Resistivity (Ω/sq)* |
Nickel Coated Carbon (20404E) Surface Resistivity (Ω/sq)* |
Copper & Nickel Coated Carbon (20444A/B) Surface Resistivity (Ω/sq)* |
|
4 |
13 |
3.6 |
0.6 |
|
10 |
8 |
1.5 |
0.3 |
|
17 |
5 |
1.3 |
0.2 |
|
34 |
3 |
1.0 |
0.2 |
|
50 |
2 |
1.0 |
0.1 |
|
80 |
2 |
0.8 |
0.1 |
*Surface resistivity is measured using a Vermason 75mm square contact block. The contact block is placed on a sample measuring 10cm x 10cm and a 1.0kg deadweight is loaded centrally on top of the contact block assembly.
Some typical applications include:
- Electronics & avionics enclosures
- Battery housings
- Motor & actuator housings
- Composite panels & enclosures
- Mobile phones
- Resistive heating
- Medical devices
- Conductive tapes
Our nonwovens also offer some magnetic properties. They can be used within a composite layup to influence the coercivity, reluctance, retentivity, permeability and residual magnetism. The soft/hard magnetic characteristics can be tuned using a range of magnetic fibre coatings, alloys and particles to ensure suitability for a range of applications. An example of this is Permalloy veil, which has been used as an effective magnetic shield in automotive applications, reducing interference between an alternator and sensor.