abstract |
Carbon fiber-filled, thermoplastic resin compositions having improved electrical properties at a given level of carbon fibers are formed from thermoplastic resin and carbon fibers associated into bundles with a binder. The thermoplastic resin and the binder are selected to be incompatible such that the adhesion of the fiber to the resin is poor. An exemplary composition is formed from a thermoplastic polymer selected from among polystyrene, high impact polystyrene, polycarbonate, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyphenylene ether, polyether imide and blends thereof; and carbon fibers associated into bundles with a polyamide terpolymer binder. The bundles are dispersed within the thermoplastic polymer. The compositions can be used for injection molding of articles for use as components in applications requiring static dissipation and/or EMI shielding. Such articles include electronic devices, dust handling equipment and notebook computer enclosures. |