Premix: the solution to electrostatic discharges

Most of us have experienced mild electrical discharges (static electricity), for example by using rubber or plastic soled shoes on carpet and then touching a metal door handle. This is uncomfortable but harmless. But in some environments, for example hospitals, it can be a problem. A nurse can touch a medical device and cause it to break or malfunction due to an electric shock. This is called an Electrostatic Discharge (ESD).

In these examples, the electric shock is caused by the soles of the shoes. If the material used for the shoe soles is highly insulating, it will collect the electrical charge from the carpet but will not give it back. However, it is possible to make the shoe soles or the mat from electrically conductive materials.

Electrostatic discharge is also a recognised problem in the electronics industry. As electronic devices and their components become smaller, their sensitivity to electrostatic discharge has increased. Fragile electronic devices can break during manufacture, transport or storage, resulting in huge losses. To avoid breakage, workers can use special clothing made from ESD-resistant materials or components packaged in ESD-compatible packaging.

Electrically conductive plastics are a very versatile solution for such environments. They can be used in fibres, films, filaments, sheets, tubes, pipes, profiles and other applications. Plastic parts and packaging can be rigid or flexible, manufactured by moulding, injection or extrusion, and can be based on a variety of polymers. Conductive plastic applications are relatively cheap, lightweight, corrosion-free and easier to produce than, for example, metal-based applications.

Our partner Premix is a world leader in the production of conductive plastics (PRE-ELEC®), with decades of experience in adding carbon black to plastics (PP, PE, PS, ABS, PC, PC/ABS, PA, PBT, TPU, TPE, etc.) which adds conductivity to the naturally insulating material. Premix’s laboratory is equipped with compounding lines, plastic processing machines and analysis devices, as well as a team of professionals whose mission is to create the best solution for each industry.

Premix PRE-ELEC® materials can also be used to prevent explosions in ATEX environments, prevent accidents with self-closing doors, measure liquids very accurately and destroy microbes on surfaces (PREXELENT®).

Premix’s goal is simple: to create a safe society through functional materials.
More information on PRE-ELEC® here: PRE-ELEC® – Polymix

John Van Meirvenne
Sales Manager Benelux
jvanmeirvenne@polymix.eu 

+32 (0) 493 82 95 56