Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
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Novosibirsk, October 28, 2025: Researchers at the National Technology Initiative (NTI) Competence Center for Modeling and Development of New Functional Materials with Predetermined Properties (CNFM) at NSU have developed a concentrate based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) that can improve the properties of silicone rubbers. This new solution opens up potential applications in a wide range of industries, from medicine to oil and gas production. The development was funded by the National Technology Initiative Foundation.
"We've filed a Russian patent application for the invention 'concentrate composition and method for producing it.' This material is used to modify silicones, both low- and high-viscosity. It increases strength and imparts electrically conductive properties to the material, which were previously difficult to achieve," explained Andrey Skuratov, a research fellow at the NSU Center for Scientific Physics and Mathematics. Silicone rubbers are widely used in industry and medicine: they are used to make O-rings, gaskets, metal coatings, conveyor belts, and medical equipment components.
Standard methods for introducing nanotubes into silicone do not produce the desired results. According to researchers, simply adding nanotube powder to the material causes it to lose its properties, degrade more quickly, and the claimed antistatic properties are not realized. The NSU Center for Scientific Physics and Microphysics team proposed a fundamentally different approach: the nanotubes are pre-treated and distributed throughout the concentrate. This prevents the formation of agglomerates and evenly integrates them into the silicone structure.
"We use a special method in which the nanotubes are 'untangled' and dispersed. The result is a working product—a concentrate. Using this nanotube concentrate can be easily integrated into the silicone rubber manufacturing process without changing it, making our development convenient for industrial applications," explained Andrey Skuratov.
One of the key advantages of the new materials is the ability to finely tune their electrical conductivity by adjusting the concentration of MWCNTs in the silicone matrix. The effective range of nanotube content is from 0.2 to 0.8% by weight, enabling the production of materials with tailored electrical characteristics without compromising their elasticity or strength. This approach allows for tailoring the material to specific application requirements, from antistatic to conductive properties. This is particularly important in medicine, as static electricity can attract dust and contaminate the surface of products. In the oil, gas, and mining industries, controlled electrical conductivity provides an antistatic effect, preventing sparking and improving equipment safety. Furthermore, the introduction of MWCNTs significantly increases the mechanical strength of silicone: the developers were able to increase the elastic modulus and tear resistance by 25–35%. As a result, the products become more durable and more resistant to mechanical stress, including friction and contact with metal surfaces.
The developed nanotube-based concentrate paves the way for the creation of so-called "smart" silicone materials with tailored properties. These materials can be used to manufacture components for the automotive, space, and mining industries, as well as medical equipment and conveyor systems.
"We were able to not only confirm the improvement in physical properties but also demonstrate that the material becomes functionally flexible. It can be used to adjust its electrical properties to meet customer needs. This opens up a wide range of applications," the scientist noted.
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