Xenia, a global player in engineering and manufacturing reinforced thermoplastic composites for injection moulding and additive manufacturing, has presented a dedicated range of materials for the chemical process industry. The portfolio is designed for use with chemically aggressive fluids, at high temperatures and in potentially explosive atmospheres, including ATEX-certified and static-dissipative environments. According to the company, the thermoplastic composites in this line combine chemical resistance, thermal stability and controlled electrical conductivity, with volumetric resistivity down to 10e-2 ohm*m, to support reliable performance in demanding chemical processing and industrial conditions.
The materials are based on different thermoplastic matrices and conductive fillers, with formulations developed on HDPE, PP and PVDF. Across these product groups, the stated objective is to achieve a balance between mechanical strength, dimensional stability and electrical dissipation while maintaining the intrinsic chemical resistance of the base polymers. Xenia positions these solutions as alternatives to metal components in chemical process equipment, in particular where weight reduction and process cost efficiency are targeted alongside safety and durability criteria in ATEX-classified environments.
Conductive HDPE compounds
Within the new range, Xenia offers conductive grades based on high-density polyethylene. The combination of HDPE and carbon fibre yields a composite with high electrical conductivity, while also providing a balance between mechanical properties and resistance to aggressive chemicals. In this system, HDPE contributes chemical resistance and processability, whereas the carbon fibre network enables electrical dissipation.
According to Xenia, these HDPE-based compounds are suited to components that must meet specified levels of mechanical performance together with controlled electrical conductivity. Typical application areas mentioned include parts used in piping systems and infrastructure, as well as insulation or protection components operating in industrial environments where contact with chemicals and potentially explosive atmospheres may occur.
PP-based conductive materials
The portfolio also includes polypropylene-based conductive compounds. Xenia states that these PP grades are designed to enhance stiffness, mechanical strength and electrical conductivity while preserving the inherent chemical resistance of polypropylene. The compositions are available with several carbon fibre reinforcement levels, namely 10%, 20% and 30% by weight, allowing users to select a balance between mechanical robustness and conductivity as required by the application.
These PP-based compounds are aimed at technical parts exposed to chemical media and potential electrostatic hazards. Xenia lists tanks, storage vessels, piping systems and infrastructure components among the target applications. Through the combination of carbon fibre content and PP matrix, the materials are intended to support stable electrical dissipation along with structural integrity under mechanical and thermal loads.
PVDF compounds with permanent conductivity
For applications requiring higher chemical resistance, Xenia has developed conductive grades based on polyvinylidene fluoride. Compared to neutral PVDF, the company reports that its PVDF-based compounds provide permanent electrical conductivity down to 10e-2 ohm*m, delivering stable antistatic performance over time in line with ATEX compliance, while retaining the characteristic chemical resistance of PVDF.
In addition to these electrical and chemical properties, the PVDF materials in this range feature a V0 fire resistance rating, which is intended to enhance safety in case of fire exposure. The compounds are also described as having improved UV resistance, supporting durability in outdoor or otherwise demanding environments. With this combination of properties, Xenia indicates that the PVDF grades are suitable for producing pumps, valves, sensors and cables in contact with fluids, as well as components used in batteries and electronic devices operating in highly corrosive conditions.
Use in ATEX-classified chemical process equipment
Across the HDPE, PP and PVDF-based grades, the materials are designed for use in chemical process equipment that operates in ATEX-classified environments. Xenia emphasises the balance of mechanical strength, chemical resistance and controlled electrical properties as a key feature of the range. The formulations aim to maintain dimensional stability, structural integrity and surface electrical conductivity when subjected to mechanical and thermal stresses.
By enabling electrical dissipation and offering corrosion resistance, the composites are positioned as a reliable alternative to metal solutions in applications where weight reduction and process cost efficiency are required. In such use cases, the replacement of metal with tailored thermoplastic composites can potentially simplify handling and installation, provided that regulatory and performance requirements for chemical resistance, flammability and electrostatic behaviour are met.
Integrated offer for chemical industry applications
With this portfolio of conductive HDPE, PP and PVDF compounds, Xenia presents what it describes as an integrated and established solution for the chemical industry. The range is intended to address operational needs related to safety, durability and functional performance in demanding process conditions, particularly where chemically aggressive fluids, high temperatures and potentially explosive atmospheres coincide.
According to the company, the availability of several base polymers and reinforcement levels allows users in the chemical process industry to select materials aligned with specific application profiles, from piping and storage systems to pumps, valves and components for batteries and electronics. Further technical information on the product range is provided by Xenia on its website.
