Static electricity builds up when there is sliding, rubbing, or separating of a materials. Under the right conditions, this induced charge can reach very high up to 40 KV. When this happens to an insulating material, like plastic, the charge tends to remain in the localized area of contact. This electrostatic voltage may then discharge via an arc or spark when the plastic material meets a body at a sufficiently different potential, such as a person or microcircuit.
If Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) occurs to a person, the results may range anywhere from a mild to a painful shock or can even in loss of life. Some micro-electronic parts can be destroyed or damaged by ESD as low as 20 volts. 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 repair or total part replacement.
ESD dissipative materials are plastics and coatings designed to reduce buildup of charge. These products come in surface and volumetric varieties. Bralco's ESD dissipative material has a surface resistivity in the range of 107 to 1010 ohm square.
We produce coated products with ESD properties. Examples include robotics components, electronics housing and battery cases.
