What Are Static (Electrostatic) Dissipative Materials Definition: ESD Uses & Benefits

March 20, 2019 | Distribution, Manufacturing

 

During production, material handling, and transportation of electronic devices and electrically-charged granulated bulk, a static charge can create a voltage pulse of several thousand volts.

This destructive power can occur between human touch and IC circuits or between powdered products and the bag’s surface, making it necessary to install ESD (electrostatic discharge) countermeasures to reduce both product losses and sales profits.

CROHMIQ is a static dissipative fabric that is used to manufacture our anti static bulk bags and is specifically engineered to safely mitigate electrostatic discharge through the fibers of the fabric – protecting sensitive components and granulated products during storage and transportation.

What is static dissipative? Our static dissipative definition

Static dissipative refers to the ability of a material or an object to prevent or reduce the buildup of static electricity. When two materials come into contact or rub against each other, electrons can be transferred between them, creating a static charge.

This electrostatic dissipation charge can lead to a range of problems, such as damage to sensitive electronic components or even personnel safety hazards.

With this in mind, it’s important that you use the correct material handling solution to ensure the static dissipation mitigate and to protect your product and ensure employees are safe.

There are several methods of static electricity dissipation, including using:

• Conductive materials
• Grounding
• Ionization
• Humidity control

These methods work by creating a path for the static charges to flow safely away from the object or surface, so that they do not build up to dangerous levels.

Do ESD Materials have the same properties?

No, ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) materials can have different properties depending on their composition and intended use, and ESD is regularly mistaken for “electrostatic dissipative”, but the two are wildly different.

Some common properties of ESD materials include high electrical resistivity, low static charge generation, and the ability to quickly dissipate any static charge that is generated.

However, other properties such as mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and thermal stability can vary greatly depending on the specific material and its intended application.

Let’s have a look at the differentiation between electrostatic dissipative, antistatic and conductive materials to see how they differ and to give you some more clarity.

As a starter for 10: they’re all a sub-category of electrostatic discharge materials. But keep in mind that throughout this article, our focus is on static dissipative materials.

Electrostatic dissipative materials

Electrostatic dissipative materials are materials that limit or control the build-up of static electricity, reducing the risk of electric discharge and associated hazards, such as electrical shock or damage to sensitive electronic components.

These materials have higher electrical resistance than conductive materials, but still allow the controlled flow of static electricity through them. Examples include plastic polymers and ceramics that are embedded with conductive fillers or have a special surface treatment.

Antistatic materials

Antistatic materials are materials that prevent or reduce the buildup of static electricity. They’re used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Industrial manufacturing
• Electronic devices
• Consumer products

They work by either conducting static electricity away from the surface or by dissipating the energy of the static charge.

Common examples of antistatic materials include:

• Conductive polymers
• Carbon-based materials
• Metal-based coatings

In addition, antistatic materials are often used in cleanroom environments to prevent the accumulation of dust and other particles that can cause contamination.

Conductive Materials

Conductive materials are substances that allow the flow of electric current through them, which is due to their ability to transfer electrons from one atom to another.

They are commonly used in the production of electronic devices, such as:

• Wires
• Batteries
• Capacitors
• Resistors

The most common conductive materials include metals such as copper, silver, gold, and aluminum, with other conductive materials being carbon, graphene, and conductive polymers.

Be sure to check out our guide on how do anti static bags work for more on how this static dissipation works in our bags.

Benefits of Electrostatic Dissipative Materials

Check out these benefits of electrostatic dissipative materials:

Reduction in Component Failures & Fire & Explosion Hazards

The resulting impact of static dissipative materials on the transportation of raw materials and consumer products has created a drastic reduction in component failures, fire and explosion hazards.

A Controlled Static Dissipative Fabric

CROHMIQ static fabric is tested according to ISO/IEC 61340-4-4 under a wide variety of test conditions to dissipate static in a controlled manner. The company’s focus was not solely on how to dissipate static.

This fabric works to dissipate ESD safely and in a timed manner, eliminating the need for a ground connection and preventing the ignition of flammable vapors, solvents, or powders during the process.

Type D FIBCs will decrease the risks to worker’s safety and product shipments due to ESD as products pass from plant floor equipment and through environments that may contain combustible dust, flammable liquids, or gasses.

Static Dissipative Materials Eliminate Grounding

Without CROHMIQ static protective FIBCs, powder processing operations would require a method for grounding the flexible bags to dissipate static build-up between the bags’ surface and the movement of the powder, which can reach vast quantities that can cause an explosion in hazardous locations.

A static dissipative fabric like CROHMIQ provides a path of discharge through the material that remains intact over the life of the FIBC, eliminating the potential energy discharged from the bag in the form of a spark.

CROHMIQ static dissipative fabric contains no metal filaments. The specially designed yarns are polypropylene woven together with a small amount of carbon.

Increased Safety in Hazardous Locations

When granulated products are stored and transported in the presence of the different types of hazardous waste, static dissipative materials can protect against and prevent incendiary sparks by releasing a low-energy discharge into the atmosphere.

Our Type D bags manufactured with static dissipative materials are proven safe for transporting flammable powders, even when flammable vapors or gases are present, such as during fuel refilling.

Safety during storage and transport is increased by keeping contaminates or conductive coatings off Type D bag surfaces. These include diesel fuel, grease, kerosene, and oil-based paints.

Choose Palmetto Industries for Your Sensitive Materials

As leading bulk bag suppliers, Palmetto Industries has over 25 years in the manufacture and distribution of a wide range of FIBC products.

As one of the largest suppliers of FIBC bags, you can eliminate third-party vendors by calling us at 706-737-7999 and speaking directly with one of our expert FIBC packaging team members.

With a worldwide distribution network, your FIBCs arrive on time and will be ready to store or transport sensitive electronics and/or granulated bulk.