Specialists from the NTI Competence Center at Novosibirsk State University have created a unique polymer material with the addition of carbon nanotubes. This development, patented in 2025, solves an important industrial safety problem — the accumulation of static electricity in plastic containers.
Ordinary polyethylene containers, widely used in production, do not conduct electric current. This leads to the accumulation of charge on their surface, which can cause a spark and trigger an explosion when working with flammable substances. Scientists have found a solution by adding from 0.05 to 0.5% of multi-walled carbon nanotubes developed at the Institute of Catalysis of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences to the polymer composition.
The production process of the new material takes place in a special rotary mixer, which evenly distributes the nanotubes throughout the volume of the polymer without damaging their structure. The resulting material fully complies with GOST requirements for electrostatic safety, while maintaining all the advantages of polyethylene — lightness, strength, and durability.
The main application of the development is the creation of safe containers for storing and transporting flammable liquids, powders, and gases in the petrochemical, chemical, and coal industries. However, the potential of the material is much wider — it can be used in the production of furniture, urban infrastructure elements, and even playgrounds, where it will reduce the accumulation of static electricity and dust attraction.
Negotiations are currently underway with industrial enterprises regarding the implementation of this technology. Its widespread use will require changes to the current GOST standards, which currently prohibit the use of polyethylene containers for storing many combustible substances. The developers are confident that the advantages of the new material will help accelerate this process.
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