Boedeker Plastics : Anti-Static & Conductive Plastics

http://www.boedeker.com/esdmatls.htm

Anti-Static and Conductive Plastics

904 West 6th Street, Shiner, Texas 77984 USA Phone: 1-361-594-2941 Fax: 1-361-594-2349 E-Mail: bpi@boedeker.com

1-800-444-3485
Static Electricity | Resistivity Test Methods | Material Categories | Available ESD Plastics BPI Home Page | Semiconductor Applications | Materials Guide | Contact Us!

What is Static Electricity?

Its what the name implies -- electricity at rest. This electrical charge is the result of a transfer of electrons that occurs due to the sliding, rubbing, or separating of a material, which is a prime generator of electrostatic voltages -- e.g.: plastics, fiber glass, rubber, textiles, etc. Under the right conditions, this induced charge can build to 30,000 or 40,000 volts. When this happens to an insulating material, such as a plastic, the built-up charge tends to remain in the localized area of contact. This electrostatic voltage then can discharge via an arc or spark when the plastic material comes in contact with a body at a sufficiently different potential, such as a person or microcircuit. If electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs to a person, the result can range anywhere from a mild to a painful shock. In extreme cases, ESD could even result in loss of life. Sparks are dangerous in an environment containing flammable liquids, solids or gases, such as in a hospital operating room or during the assembly of explosive devices. Some micro-electronic parts can be destroyed or damaged by ESD as low as 20 volts. Since people are prime causes of ESD, they often cause damage to sensitive electronic parts, especially during manufacturing and assembly. The consequences of discharge through an electrical component sensitive to ESD can range from erroneous readings to permanent damage resulting in excessive equipment downtime and costly
1 of 7 13.2.2011 20:06

Boedeker Plastics : Anti-Static & Conductive Plastics

http://www.boedeker.com/esdmatls.htm

repair or total part replacement.

Resistivity Test Methods

Surface Resistivity For thermoplastic materials intended to dissipate electrostatic charges, surface resistivity is the most common measurement of a materials ability to do so. A widely accepted surface resistivity test method is ASTM D257. It consists of measuring the resistance (via an ohm meter) between two electrodes applied under load to the surface being tested. Electrodes are used rather than point probes because of the heterogeneous makeup of compounded thermoplastics. Simply touching the surface with a point contact may not give readings consistent with the overall part (readings of this type are often insulative even when the part is actually conductive). It is also important to maintain good contact between the sample and electrodes, which can require considerable pressure. The resistance reading is then converted to resistivity to account for the dimensions of the electrodes which can vary depending on the size and shape of the test samples. Surface resistivity is equal to resistance times the perimeter of the electrodes divided by the gap distance, yielding ohms/square. Volume Resistivity Volume resistivity is useful for evaluating the relative dispersion of a conductive additive throughout the polymer matrix. It can roughly be related to EMI/RFI shielding effectiveness in certain conductive fillers. Volume resistivity is tested in a similar fashion to surface resistivity, however electrodes are placed on opposite faces of a test sample. ASTM D257 also refers to volume resistivity, and a conversion factor again based on electrode dimensions and part thickness is used to obtain the resistivity value from a resistance reading. [Volume resistivity is equal to resistance times the surface area (cm2) divided by the thickness of the part (cm) yielding ohm-cm.]

ESD Materials Categories

2 of 7

13.2.2011 20:06

Boedeker Plastics : Anti-Static & Conductive Plastics

http://www.boedeker.com/esdmatls.htm

Materials for protection and prevention of ElectroStatic Discharge (ESD) can be categorized into three distinct groups -- separated by their ranges of conductivity to electrical charges.

Anti-Static:
Resistivity generally between 109 and 1012 ohms per square. Initial electrostatic charges are suppressed. May be surface resistive, surface-coated or filled throughout.

Static Dissipative (SD) :

Resistivity generally between 106 and 109 ohms per square. Low or no initial charges -- prevents discharge to from human contact. May be either surface-coated or filled throughout.

Conductive (CN) :
Resistivity generally between 103 and 106 ohms per square. No initial charges, provides path for charge to bleed off. Usually carbon-particle or carbon-fiber filled throughout.

Q: What is "ohms per square"?

see the following links: http://www.esdjournal.com/techpapr/ohmmtr/ohm.htm http://www.esdjournal.com/techpapr/ohms.htm

Available ESD Materials (Static Dissipative & Conductive)

Semitron ESd 520HR (PolyAmide-Imide) Semitron ESd 520HR is static-dissipative glass-reinforced PolyAmide-Imide for use where the properties of Torlon 5530 are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheets and rods and is BLACK in color. Semitron ESd 500HR (PTFE) Semitron ESd 500HR is static-dissipative PTFE for use where the properties of PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene) are needed, but

3 of 7

13.2.2011 20:06

Boedeker Plastics : Anti-Static & Conductive Plastics

http://www.boedeker.com/esdmatls.htm

protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheets and rods and is WHITE in color. Semitron ESd 490HR (PolyEtherEtherKetone) Semitron ESd 490HR is static-dissipative, carbon fiber reinforced PolyEtherEtherKetone for use where the properties of PEEK are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheets and rods and is BLACK in color. Semitron ESd 480 (PolyEtherEtherKetone) Semitron ESd 480 is static-dissipative, carbon fiber reinforced PolyEtherEtherKetone for use where the properties of PEEK are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheets and rods and is BLACK in color. Krefine ESD PEEK (PolyEtherEtherKetone) This blend of proprietary carbon fibers with PEEK is specially formulated for homogeneous static-dissipative properties throughout the material. The resistivity is very consistent throughout the material. The milled carbon fiber filler is also much easier to machine than conventional carbon fillers, making this an ideal material for PEEK applications that require controlled conductivity. PEEK is strong, chemically resistant, and readily machinable. This material is available in sheet form only and is BLACK in color. Carbon-filled PEEK (PolyEtherEtherKetone) Although carbon-filled PEEK is not marketed as a static-dissipative material, the carbon filler does provide conductivity (though it is not closely controlled). PEEK is strong, chemically resistant, and readily machinable. This material is available in sheets and rods and is BLACK in color. Semitron ESd 420 (PolyEtherImide) Semitron ESd 420 is static-dissipative polyetherimide for use where the properties of PEI are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheets and rods and is BLACK in color. Semitron ESd 410C (Polyetherimide) Semitron ESd 410C is conductive polyetherimide for use where the properties of Ultem are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheets and rods and is BLACK in color. Tempalux CN (PolyEtherImide) Tempalux CN-F is conductive polyetherimide. These materials are used where the properties of Ultem are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheets and rods and is BLACK in color. Hydel PEI-7 ESD Ultem (PolyEtherImide) Hydel PEI-7 is static dissipative polyetherimide. These materials are used where the properties of Ultem are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheet, rod and tubular bar shapes and is BLACK in color.

4 of 7

13.2.2011 20:06

Boedeker Plastics : Anti-Static & Conductive Plastics

http://www.boedeker.com/esdmatls.htm

PES CN (PolyEtherSulfone) PES CN is conductive polyethersulfone. PES CN is used where the properties of polyethersulfone are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheets and rods and is BLACK in color. PVDF CN (PolyVinyliDene Fluoride) PVDF CN is conductive polyvinylidene fluoride. PVDF CN is used where the properties of PVDF are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheets and rods and is BLACK in color. Pomalux SD & CN (Acetal Copolymer) Pomalux SD & CN are static-dissipative and conductive acetal copolymers, respectively. These materials are used where the properties of acetals are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. These materials are available in sheets, rods, and films. Pomalux SD is NATURAL (tan or ivory) and Pomalux CN is BLACK in color. Semitron ESd 225 (Acetal) Semitron ESd 225 is static-dissipative acetal for use where the properties of acetals are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheets and rods and is NATURAL (tan or ivory) in color. Tecaform SD Acetal (formerly Hydel ASD) Tecaform SD (formerly Hydel ASD) is static dissipative acetal. This material is used where the properties of acetal are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheet, rod and tubular bar shapes and is NATURAL (tan or ivory) in color. Propylux SD & CN (Polypropylene) Propylux SD & CN are static-dissipative and conductive polypropylenes, respectively. These materials are used where the properties of polypropylene are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. These materials are available in sheets, rods, and films and is BLACK in color. Absylux SD & CN (ABS) Absylux SD & CN are static-dissipative and conductive ABS grades, respectively. These materials are used where the properties of ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. These materials are available in sheets, rods, and films. Absylux SD is NATURAL (tan or ivory) and Absylux CN is BLACK in color. Lennite CN (UHMW Polyethylene) Lennite CN is conductive UHMW polyethylene. Lennite CN is used where the properties of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheets and rods and is BLACK in color.

5 of 7

13.2.2011 20:06

Boedeker Plastics : Anti-Static & Conductive Plastics

http://www.boedeker.com/esdmatls.htm

Tivar 1000 AntiStatic (UHMW Polyethylene) Tivar 1000 Antistatic is conductive UHMW polyethylene. Tivar 1000 AntiStatic is used where the properties of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheet form only and is BLACK in color. Zelux SD & CN (Polycarbonate) Zelux SD & CN are static-dissipative and conductive polycarbonates, respectively. These materials are used where the properties of polycarbonates are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. These materials are available in sheets, rods, and films and are BLACK in color. Hydel PC-7 ESD Polycarbonate Hydel PC-7 is static dissipative polycarbonate. These materials are used where the properties of polycarbonate are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. This material is available in sheet, rod and tubular bar shapes and is BLACK in color. StatiCon PC-300 & PC-350 (Polycarbonate) StatiCon PC-300 and PC-350 are clear (transparent) polycarbonate sheets which have been surfaced with a clear static-dissipative sheet. These materials are used where the properties of clear polycarbonate are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. These materials are available in 1/8" to 1/2" sheets only and is [ TRANSPARENT ]. StatiCon PVC-300 & PVC-350 (PolyVinylChloride) StatiCon PVC-300 and PVC-350 are clear (transparent) PolyVinylChloride (PVC) sheets which have been surfaced with a clear staticdissipative sheet. These materials are used where the properties of clear PVC are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. These materials are available in 1/8" to 1/2" sheets only and is [ TRANSPARENT ]. StatiCon AC-300 & AC-350 (Acrylic) StatiCon AC-300 and AC-350 are clear (transparent) cast acrylic sheets which have been surfaced with a clear static-dissipative sheet. These materials are used where the properties of clear cast acrylics are needed, but protection from static discharge is a requirement. These materials are available in 1/8" to 1/2" sheets only and is [ TRANSPARENT ]. KYDEX GND (Acrylic-PVC alloy) KYDEX GND Conductive sheet in black only for electronic/electrical applications. Protects against ESD. Retains conductive properties after forming. These materials are available in .040" to 1/2" sheets only. NOTE: Manufacturers frequently introduce new materials . . . . . . contact us for the latest updates!

6 of 7

13.2.2011 20:06

Boedeker Plastics : Anti-Static & Conductive Plastics

http://www.boedeker.com/esdmatls.htm

Trademark Acknowledgments: TORLON is a registered trademark of Solvay Engineering Polymers. KYDEX is a registered trademark of Kleerdex Company KYNAR is a registered trademark of Elf Atochem North America. ULTEM is a registered trademark of SABIC Advanced Polmers (formerly GE Plastics). TIVAR is a registered trademark of Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products (formerly Poly Hi Solidur). SEMITRON is a registered trademark of Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products. STATICON is a registered trademark of SciCron Technologies. ABSYLUX, LENNITE, POMALUX, PROPYLUX, TEMPALUX and ZELUX are registered trademarks of Westlake Plastics.

Boedeker Plastics, Inc. 904 West 6th Street, Shiner, Texas 77984 USA USA TOLLFREE : 1-800-444-3485 Phone: 1-361-594-2941 Fax: 1-361-594-2349 E-Mail: bpi@boedeker.com Copyright Boedeker Plastics, Inc. 2011

7 of 7

13.2.2011 20:06