Applications of Antistatic & Conductive Films

Static electricity is a major hazard in industrial processes and applications. Because polymeric materials are not conductive, they accumulate static electricity that results from friction contact between materials. This can cause films to stick to each other, to tools, machines, or other surfaces, pick up dust, and even sudden discharge of energy in the form of sparks, which can cause explosions and fires. These challenges laid down by the usage of antistatic film for industrial processes or usage of the conductive film for covering and packaging can result in a disastrous outcome for an organization. It is because of this reason finding an alternative solution is a must for organizations to avoid such challenges that can account for the disastrous situations in a working or transportation environment.

In the light of the challenges identified with the usage of non-conductive films in the industry technological and chemical advancements were made by ALBERT F. SULZER from the USA to bring into light the development of ST8882WB which is a waterborne formulation of static-dissipative agents which contributed to the development of antistatic and conductive films. The introduction of antistatic and conductive films came in as a game-changer for the industrial processes and application, by diminishing the risk factors that layout with the usage of non-conductive and static films.

To ensure businesses and industry in India also benefit from the revolutionary invention of an antistatic and conductive film, Greenpro brings for all industries and businesses within the country and beyond their first line of Antistatic and conductive films. So if you are into a business that has regular requirements of films, then look no more, with Greenpro take a look into the revolutionary world of Antistatic and Conductive films to have a better understanding of how it can help your business over time.

What are Antistatic and Conductive Films?

Antistatic and Conductive Films are synonymous terms to indicate a film that has the ability to reduce or prohibit a static-electrical charge and its effects that may appear with the usage of polymeric materials because of frictional contact between materials. Based on the requirement of the industrial application and processes there are three different types of films available that function as an antistatic material layer, they are Static Dissipative Films, Antistatic films, and Conductive Films. Where each of the film’s functioning reflects the reduction of charges that may occur because of frictional contact, but each one of them differs from the other on the basis of the amount of charge displaced when the films are applied in the industrial process for their usage.

The functionality of the 3 Anti-static Films

The functionalities of the 3 Antistatic Films identified are reflected below:

Static Dissipative Films

Static Dissipative films are polymers or plastic that deliver a surface resistivity of 10⁶ to 10¹² ohm/sq. These films allow for the dissipation or decay of electrical charges at a much faster rate than anti-static materials, generally within milliseconds. The measured resistance is uniform and usually strong. At Greenpro Static Dissipative films are available within the range of 10⁹ to 10¹², with a wide range of color choices to select from. The color variants are available in translucent, black, and other available colors as per consumer requirements.

Antistatic Films

Antistatic films are polymers or plastic that deliver a surface resistivity of 10¹⁰ to 10¹² ohm/sq. These films provide a decay of static charge, from hundredths of a second to several seconds, preventing accumulations that could otherwise lead to discharge or the initiation of charges to other nearby electrical events which can result in catastrophic scenarios. At Greenpro antistatic films are available in a wide range of color choices to select from. The color variants are available in translucent, black, and other available colors as per consumer requirements.

Conductive Films

Conductive films are polymers or plastic that deliver a surface resistivity of 10¹ to 10⁶ ohm/sq. Decay rates in conductive films are measured in nanoseconds and are instant enough to provide a ground pathway and discharge off even the strongest of the electrical charges. At Greenpro Conductive films are available within the range of 10³ to 10⁶, with only a single color choice variant available in black.

The functionality of each of the films available at Greenpro clearly showcases that all the three Anti-Static Films function in the same manner, with the only difference between them being the rate of charge displacement and choice of color variants. So it is extremely important for consumers to select their choice of films wisely as per their own industrial requirements and application.

How these Anti-Static Films are developed

The anti-static films are developed keeping in mind that it meets all the requirements of industrial application and processes. In order to develop Anti-Static Films; TYPE 2 GRADE of polymer is used for the development of the films, these TYPE 2 GRADE polymers before being laid down as films are mixed with ST8882WB liquid that carries the property of static-dissipative agents. ST8882WB is a waterborne formulation of static-dissipative agents, specifically tailored to prevent charge build-up during the manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, and application of plastic films and sheets. The usage of ST8882WB liquid during manufacturing of anti-static films can be made before the production of the films at chemical level bonding association or can be used as a solvent on the film as a sprayed liquid to avoid building up of charges. But for industrial application of anti-static film, using ST8882WB liquid as the solvent, for the purpose of making polymers anti-static carries a high risk. Since industrial usage and application carry high heat factors, using ST8882WB liquid as the solvent can get vaporized, resulting in the films being an open ground for the electrical accident. It is because of this reason all anti-static films used for industrial purposes are chemically bonded ones to avoid electrical discharge risk associated with the film usage. This clearly showcases that anti-static films are chemically composed polymers with ST8882WB liquid to develop an ideal electrical charge reducing or displacing film that meets all industry standards. This in turn opens up opportunities for Anti-Static Films usage in many different applications.

Application of Anti-Static Films

There are many different applications of Anti-Static Films across different industries. The usage of the type of Anti-Static films thoroughly depends on the type of charges that are required to be handled for a particular application. The generalized applications of Anti-Static Films in the industrial processes are reflected below:

Covering up ATEX surface area: It is majorly done because ATEX surfaces are referred to as the hazard of explosive atmospheres occurring in the workplace due to the presence of flammable gasses or combustible dust mixed in the air. This indicates a high-risk region prone to explosion. In such a scenario even a little electric spark coming from a frictional surge can result in a huge explosion. In order to avoid such risk, Anti-static film is ideal for covering ATEX surface area since it prevents the building up of any changes in such a hazardous atmosphere.

Electronics manufacturing and packaging: Anti-static films’ dissipative property is ideal for electronics manufacturing and packaging it is because electronic products themselves contain the volume of electrical sparks that are necessary for their functioning. It is because of this reason a control measure is required in order to displace the charges to the ground. The static dissipative films are ideal for these types of application, as it allows the charges to flow into the ground in a more controlled manner. This in turn helps in protecting electronic goods.

Medical trays and packaging: Conductive films are majorly used for these types of applications in order to avoid static shock in operating rooms. It is because medical trays have a strong tendency to accumulate surface electrostatic charges. This charge can stay on the surface of the films until it discharges when the material comes into contact with another surface for discharge. This can lead to issues such as increased handling problems; excessive dust and dirt build up on the surface of the films part, parts sticking, resulting in damages to sensitive medical products. It is because of this reason conductive films that have the ability to displace charges to the ground at a rapid rate, even when in contact with a person, clearly make it easier for people to handle medical trays and products. Further, it also prevents people from having static shock along with the building up of dust in the product. This in turn helps in protecting the medical goods when conductive films are used for their packaging.

Other Generalized Application: Since all the three Anti-Static films reduce the charges from either occurring or properly displacing, the films are ideal for using in Clean Room since it prevents the dust from being attracted to the surface because of lack of electric charges. Further, these films are also ideal for Document Protection and other transportation and packaging process in the industry because of their Anti-static properties, which ensure the better safekeeping of the products from dust, charging damages, and possible explosions.

These applications of Anti-Static Films clearly signifies the large-scale usage of these films in different industrial application and processes, signifying the attached benefit it provides in completing an industrial requirement.

Benefits of Using Anti-Static Films

The overview of Anti-Static Films clearly showcases how it helps in the accumulation and displacement of static electricity. Other than this there are certain additional benefits that come with Anti-static films usage they are:

• Anti-static films are available in a wide range of colors and industries can select the ideal color that suits their product requirement.
• Anti-Static films safeguards products from dust accumulation
• Anti-Static films save cost behind cleaning of the product covered in dust
• Anti-Static films are waterproof to a large extent since they are made of and hence can protect the product from water exposure
• Removing Anti-Static films from product packaging is easier since they do not stick to the product
• Anti-Static films are ideal for long journey transportation where risk factors of charge building are much higher
• Anti-Static films protect the product from scratches to a good extent during the process of loading and unloading

These are some of the additional benefits that an industry can enjoy with the usage of anti-static films for their packaging purposes.

So if you are interested in investing in Anti-Static Films then look no more GreenPro Anti-Static Films variant provides you with a large number of choices to select from in the market. With a wide variety of choices and huge benefits that you can derive from using our Anti-Static films, GreenPro is an ideal choice for your industry to purchase Anti-Static films for your industrial requirements.

Why Choose Us?

To get the most out of the Anti-static films, it is of immense importance to select an experienced, reliable, and well-known Anti-Static film manufacturer. It is to make sure to get only the best quality Anti-Static films so that the intended results can be obtained. In this regard, no other option would be as good as GreenPro. GreenPro is a leading Anti-Static film manufacturer providing users with premium quality films that adhere to all the set standards that ideally serve their intended purpose of use. So get the most out of your Anti-Static film requirement or to know more about our product get in touch with us, we would be happy to help you.