The Role of Antistatic Agents
Antistatic agents are typically applied to the surface or interior of insulating materials to reduce their ability to generate static electricity. Antistatic materials are usually liquids composed of charge carriers and the antistatic agent itself. Charge carriers act as transporters, carrying the antistatic agent to the material. The solvent can be water, ethanol, mineral alcohol, or other compatible materials. The antistatic agent remains deposited on the surface of the insulating material after the charge carriers have vaporized, providing a control function. Some antistatic agents are classified as water-absorbing. Static electricity can be reduced by increasing the lubricity and conductivity of the surface. Generally, altering the charge carrier ratio of the antistatic agent, when applied appropriately to the material, provides control over surface resistance. A key effect of antistatic agents is reducing static electricity generated by friction.
Antistatic agents can be applied to floors, carpets, workbench tops, parts carriers, chairs, walls, ceilings, tools, paper, plastics, and skins using brushing, spraying, rolling, impregnation, wiping, or other methods, making them ESD-protected objects to varying degrees. Some antistatic agents are also good cleaning agents. They can be mixed with water to clean surfaces such as floors and workbench tops, while simultaneously making them antistatic.