Rubber Anti-Static Mat vs. PVC Anti-Static Mat
The rubber material used in rubber anti-static mats is nitrile rubber. This material belongs to natural semiconductors and has inherent anti-static properties.
Its molecular structure is composed of numerous carbon chains. These carbon chains can store a certain amount of static electricity, allowing static charges generated on the surface of the table to be quickly guided away. The static electricity is first dissipated through the surface layer, and any residual charge is then smoothly conducted to the ground through the conductive layer.
Rubber anti-static mats are characterized by their ability to store a large amount of static electricity and release it instantly. They also feature excellent electrical conductivity, with a service life generally exceeding five years.
PVC Anti-Static Mats
PVC anti-static mats are relatively inexpensive to manufacture. Their anti-static function mainly comes from anti-static agents added during the production process.
After three to six months of use, these anti-static agents gradually evaporate, leading to a noticeable decline in anti-static performance. In recent years, due to rising rubber prices, some manufacturers mix PVC materials into rubber mats. However, the PVC content should not exceed 30%, otherwise the quality and service life of the mat will be affected.
Some manufacturers also use recycled rubber as a substitute. However, the carbon chains in recycled rubber are already damaged, so it no longer has the ability to store static electricity.
How to Distinguish Rubber Mats from PVC Mats
The two types of mats can be identified using the following methods:
1.Smell Test
Cut both mats into thin strips and ignite them. If the smoke is very dark and accompanied by a sharp, pungent plastic smell, it is a PVC mat.
2.Flame Observation
- Rubber mats burn with a strong, stable flame. PVC mats produce a crackling sound when burning due to the presence of polyvinyl chloride, which is anaerobic in nature.
3.Ash Residue
- After burning, rubber ash does not form hard lumps. PVC ash, however, contains hard block-like residues.
4.Surface Scratch Test
- Scratch the surface several times with a sharp object. PVC mats usually do not show scratches, while rubber mats will show visible scratch marks.
5.Elastic Rebound Test
- Cut two mats made of different materials and bend them firmly. A high-quality mat will return to its original flat shape quickly, without deformation, and feel soft to the touch.
6.Softness Comparison
- Rubber mats are naturally softer, while PVC mats are harder. Although PVC mats can be made softer by adding plasticizers, they will contain many foamed holes when cut open. Rubber mats do not have such foamed structures.
