Most plastics have an electrical surface resistance of >1015 ohms and are therefore electrostatically chargeable. This can lead to dust attraction and sparking. By using antistatic Masterbachtes, the surface resistance can be reduced to around >1011 to 1010 ohms, depending on the concentration. The active ingredients contained (fatty acid esters and amides, ethoxylated amines, alkyl sulfonates and cyanophthalocyanines) are incompatible with PE and migrate on the surface of the film. There they form a hydrophilic layer that absorbs water from the environment and thus becomes conductive.
By using incorporated hydrophilic polymers (e.g. polyamide copolymers) a permanent antistatic charge is achieved.
Our PLE product achieves a value of 105 ohms through the use of conductivity carbon black (approx. 15%) in the polyolefin compound. This foil is always black.
The electronic charge of a package is measured with an electric field meter. This is used to determine whether an object is electrically charged or not. Foil that is not charged or has been discharged is antistatic.
Further information on the subject of surface resistance can be found here.
