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Antistatic Agent2
Antistatic Agent2
STATIC ELECTRICITY
When they are separated,
the distribution of
electrons between the
two is often unequal.
Both surfaces acquire
electrical charges, with
one having a surfeit of
electrons, and the other a
deficit
Causes of static electricity
The static is caused by the transfer of electrons across surfaces brought into frictional contact
with each other
As long as the two surfaces are in con- tact, there is no problem. But when they are separated,
the distribution of electrons between the two is often unequal
both surfaces acquire electrical charges, with one having a surfeit of electrons, and the other a
deficit
There is no change within the body of the material, it is purely a surface effect
Is static electricity a problem ?
Static electricity is a considerable problem in plastics, because with very few exceptions
plastics are highly insulating
Even picking up a plastics bag can generate several thousand volts if the humidity is low
enough
Static electricity can build up in clouds. This can cause a huge spark to form between the
ground and the cloud. A spark could ignite the gases and cause an explosion. It is dangerous
when you touch something with a large electric charge on it.
Doesn’t affect human. As our body is composed largely of water and water is an inefficient
conductor of electricity, especially in amounts this small. Not that electricity can't hurt or kill
you.
How to avoid static electricity?
Static electricity can be minimized or even completely eliminated by the use of
appropriate antistatic additives, such as surfactants reducing the polarization of plastics
Antistatic agents reduce the surface resistivity of materials, which causes the charge to
dissipate, and as a result reduces the occurrence of the adverse phenomenon
Use a humidifier
Treat your carpets with an anti-static chemical
Carry around something metal
COUNTER MEASURES
render the surface electrically
conducting
contain an internal additive or possess
a surface coating which renders the
surface sufficiently conductive to
dissipate the static electricity
ANTISTAIC AGENT
Antistatic agents are added to polymers to minimize the build-up of static
electricity/electric charge in plastic materials.
Common antistatic agents are based on long-chain aliphatic amines and amides, quaternary
ammonium esters of phosphoric acid, polyethylene glycol esters
INTERNAL ANTISTATIC AGENTS
They do not alter the physical and mechanical
properties
Internal antistatic agents, other than carbon
black, aluminium powder and poly pyrrole,
Cost is low compared with other additives do not survive temperatures much higher
They do not prevent a plastics component from than 180°C
being transparent or affect its colour.
Even if they are removed from the surface by various means, such as erosion, there is more
additive available within the polymer to migrate and replace what was lost
External surface, antistatic agents can be applied in the form of a liquid solution in water or
an alcohol, but to survive they must resist being removed by the processing or handling
operations
INTERNAL ANTISTATIC AGENTS
Internal antistatic agents are compounded into the plastics during or before the shaping stages.
The rate of migration is important as, if it is too slow, it is not effective quickly enough, and
static builds up, and if it is too rapid, the surface characteristics of the article may be adversely
affected.
The rate of migration can be reduced by other formulation constituents such as fillers.
When it has reached the surface, the hydrophilic groups of the additive attract ambient
moisture, and this causes the electrical charge on the surface to be dissipated.
INTERNAL ANTISTATIC AGENTS
Non ionic Surfactants
Hydrophilic group with No charges
Amphoteric Surfactants
Hydrophilic group with both Positive and
Negative charges
SURFACTANTS
Lubricants, which are added to reduce frictional forces during processing, also incidentally
reduce static build-up.
Any liquid of high dielectric constant should be an antistatic agent eg – Water
Cationic and anionic antistatic agents perform best in polar polymers
Fatty acid based amines can react with the chlorine in PVC
Non ionic anti stats are deployed in polyolefins, ABS and styrene polymers
EXTERNAL ANTISTATIC AGENT
External or topical antistats are applied to the surface of a polymer
Techniques such as spraying, wiping, or dipping.
aqueous and/or alcoholic solution (1–2%) as a spray or dip
External antistats can be easily removed by contact with solvents or by
rubbing or wiping.
Disadvantage of antistatic agents
ABS, cellulose acetate, and polycarbonate
High levels of epichlorhydrin copolymers have been recommended for use as antistatic agents
in both thermoplastics and thermosets
Ensure that the additive is chosen so that migration to the surface occurs at a sufficient rate
Glycerol derivatives and ethoxylated amines can be used
COMPOUND USED
The internal additives used in plastics are the non-ionic surfactants, although some
cationic and anionic surfactants are also Employed
Examples of the non-ionic variety are the ethoxylated fatty alkylamines, the fatty
diethanolamines, and the mono- and di-glycerides.
The ethoxylated fatty alkylamines are used in hydrocarbon-rich plastics such as the
polyolefins and in some of the styrenated polymers.
Certain non-ionic antistatic agents such as glycerol monostearate do not have the
persistence associated with the ethoxylated fatty alkylamines.
COMPOUND USED
Examples of cationic antistatic agents include the long chain quaternary ammonium
and sulfonium alkyl salts such as chlorides, nitrates and methosulfates.
They are used in high concentrations in polar polymers such as PVC, and also in
various styrene based polymers.
Anionic antistats are usually alkali salts of alkyl phosphonic, sulfonic or
dithiocarbamic acids.
Examples of their application are the styrene polymers, and the saturated
(thermoplastic) polyesters.
APPLICATION
Automotive industries
Electronic industries
Fuel system Packaging of components
Electrical and electronic parts Flooring
Engine components Furniture
The chemical process equipment industry needs to eliminate static discharge because of
the widespread use of flammable liquids and gases, and since the industry uses plastics
or reinforced plastics extensively
APPLICATION
Some applications have strict requirements for very good static dissipation performance, low
surface resistivity
ABS
Polyolefins
Business machine Packaging
Automotive parts Pipes
Domestic appliance Storage bins and foam
Polyamides
PVC
Carpets Conveyor belts
Business machine internal parts Packaging
packaging Floor
EFFECTIVENESS
The effectiveness of antistatic agents can be measured by observing the rate of decay of surface
charge on a plastics article.
In the case of high density polyethylene, for example, most of the measurable surface charge on
the sample immediately after moulding should have dissipated under ambient conditions within
7 days, but the rate of decline will be dependent on a large number of factors.
Migration rate can depend on the molecular weight of the additive as well as on its
compatibility with the polymer. If migration rate is too high, higher molecular weight
substances of a similar type can be used.
It is difficult to find effective antistatic agents for engineering thermoplastics, because of the
high processing temperatures.
APPLICATION
Antistatic bag Conveyor belt
Fact
In 1937, static electricity caused the fire
of the largest Hindenburg airship in the
history of Germany. It contained 200,000
m3 of flammable hydrogen. During the
landing, most likely due to an electric
spark, the gas ignited, causing the airship
to burn down completely.
Reference
Polymer-Plastics Additives.pdf( unit5/additives)
https://polymer-additives.specialchem.com/selection-guide/antistatic-agents-for-polymers
https://www.products.pcc.eu/en/blog/antistatic-agents-additives-for-plastics-that-reduce-th
e-effects-of-static-electricity/
https://www.explainthatstuff.com/howantistaticcoatingswork.html
https://www.ampacet.com/faqs/antistats-types-attributes-test-standards
By
Ramanan
&
Kishen Deepak