Most of us have probably played with or experienced the shocking effects (sorry I had to) of static electricity– a small jolt of electricity in reaching to turn on a light switch, or when the hair on your head stands on end after taking off your hat. The phenomenon of static electricity occurs as a result of an imbalance between positive and negative charges in an object. These charges can build up on the surface of an object until they are released or discharged – remember the shock?
In plastic, the build-up of static can present challenges including dust build up, static discharge, and even the damage of packaged goods. To help combat this, additives can be added to the plastic sheet to helps reduce the amount of static build up. Continue reading to learn more about how anti-static additives are used in plastic.
Before we get into anti-static additives and the benefits of using them in plastics, let’s go back to science class for a brief moment and touch on how this build-up of static electricity occurs in the first place. When certain materials rub against each other, they can transfer electrons, or negative charges, creating an imbalance between the typically balanced positive/negative charges in an object. These charges build up and remain on the surface of an object until they find a way to move away through an electric current or electrical discharge.
Most plastics are electrical insulators, meaning that they are a material whose internal electric charges do not flow freely. As a result, polymers have a strong tendency to accumulate surface electrostatic charges. This charge can stay on the surface of the plastic until it discharges when the material comes into contact with a person or microcircuit. When compared to standard plastics, anti-static plastics offer significant benefits by reducing the risk of static-related issues and improving safety and product reliability.
This static is not only annoying but it can lead to issues such as increased handling problems, excessive dust and dirt build up on the surface of the plastic part, parts sticking, damage of sensitive medical or electronic products and even fire or explosion hazard if static sparks are formed near flammable liquids. It is important to note that anti-static plastics play a critical role in preventing electrostatic discharge (ESD) and protecting sensitive components in these environments.
Now, static electricity cannot be eliminated completely but can be controlled by controlling the ionization. This is where the additive comes in. The addition of anti-static additives to materials such as High Impact Polystyrene, ABS, or Polypropylene reduces the static buildup on the plastic material by reducing the surface resistance in the end product. The additives help to reduce static electric charges either by making the material conductive, or interacting with moisture in the atmosphere, forming a microscopic layer of water on the surface of the material. The desired level of electrical conductivity is achieved through the deliberate addition of electrically active substances such as conductive carbon black, carbon fibers, or carbon nanotubes to meet specific conductivity requirements. This layer of water ultimately provides the conductive path for static dissipation.
Note: The effectiveness of anti-static additives may depend on environmental conditions such as humidity, and their performance can vary based on the type of additive and application.
Anti-static additives are available as both internal and external additives. Internal anti-static additives can be incorporated and blended into the polymer at the extrusion level. During this process the additive is blended homogeneously with the polymer to provide the much-needed surface resistivity required for electronics packaging. As the material cools, the additive migrates to the surface and begins to pick up moisture from the surrounding environment. Internal additives are dispersed at the molecular level, so the conductivity, migration rate, and reaction time depend on its hydrophilic backbone made of amine, amide or ester groups. As internal anti-stat additives depend on moisture for functionality - the higher the humidity in the atmosphere, the better the anti-stat properties will be.
In contrast, external additives can be easily dissolved in a solvent and are sprayed or coated on to the plastic. With an external additive, the additive performs the same way but because it is a topical coating and not blended with the material, there is a risk that the additive can be rubbed off rendering the product ineffective.
Anti-static plastics are valued for their antistatic properties, which allow them to dissipate static electricity and prevent static build-up, making them ideal for use in environments where static control is essential. These materials can be used as a line or lining in equipment or components to provide static protection in sensitive applications. When selecting anti-static plastics for industrial or electronic use, it is important to consider the specific application and choose materials that meet the end-use requirements and operational environment. Anti-static plastics are designed to meet strict industry requirements and safety standards, ensuring reliable performance in critical settings.
Examples of plastics that can be made anti-static include High Impact Polystyrene, ABS, Polypropylene, and POM. POM is commonly used in electronics manufacturing for its static dissipative properties, durability, and resistance to static build-up, making it suitable for components and lining materials in static-sensitive environments.
For more information on the additives and materials available from Impact Plastics, check out our Materials page, or contact our team of experts today!
Types of Static Control Materials
In environments where static electricity poses a risk to sensitive electronic components and can even lead to fire hazards, the use of static control materials is absolutely essential. These materials are specifically designed to prevent the build-up of static charges on the surface of plastics and other materials, providing reliable protection for electronics and ensuring the integrity of production processes across a range of industries.
One of the most widely used static control materials in the electronics industry is electrostatic dissipative (ESD) plastics. ESD plastics are engineered to safely dissipate static charges, preventing sudden electrostatic discharge that could damage delicate electronic components. These plastics are commonly found in electronics manufacturing, semiconductor production, and packaging for electronic devices. Materials such as polyamide-imide (PAI), polyetherimide (PEI), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) are often chosen for their high strength, excellent surface resistance, and ability to maintain performance in demanding environments.
Anti-static additives are another key tool in the fight against static buildup. When incorporated into plastic sheets, these additives lower the surface resistance of the material, allowing static charges to dissipate safely. Some anti-static additives work by making the plastic itself slightly conductive, while others interact with moisture in the atmosphere to form a thin, invisible layer of water on the surface. This layer acts as a pathway for static electricity to be discharged gradually, reducing the risk of sudden static discharge and protecting both the product and the person handling it.
Conductive plastics take static protection a step further by providing a higher level of electrical conductivity. These materials are created by adding conductive substances—such as carbon black, carbon fibers, or carbon nanotubes—directly into the plastic. The result is a material that not only resists static buildup but can also safely conduct electricity away from sensitive areas. Conductive plastics are ideal for applications where both static protection and high mechanical strength are required, such as in automotive components, renewable energy systems, and advanced electronics.
Static dissipative plastics offer a balanced approach, designed to slowly dissipate static charges without allowing a rapid discharge. This makes them particularly useful in environments where both static buildup and sudden discharges are a concern, such as in the assembly and packaging of electronic components or in areas where flammable materials are present. By providing a controlled path for static electricity to leave the surface, static dissipative plastics help prevent both product damage and fire hazards.
The benefits of using these static control materials are clear: they reduce static buildup, minimize dust and dirt accumulation, protect sensitive electronics, and lower the risk of static-related damage or fire. By maintaining a protective layer against static electricity, these materials help ensure the safe handling and production of electronic components, optimize manufacturing processes, and preserve the integrity of finished products.
As the electronics industry and other high-tech sectors continue to evolve, the importance of static control materials will only increase. Whether you’re working with ESD plastics, anti-static additives, conductive plastics, or static dissipative materials, choosing the right solution is crucial for reducing static charge, preventing electrostatic discharge, and safeguarding your products and processes.
To learn more about the different types of static control materials and how they can benefit your applications, visit our ESD plastics and anti-static additives page or contact our team for expert advice. By staying informed and selecting the right materials, you can protect your electronic components, reduce risk, and ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability in your production environment.