Differences between ESD Rubber and PVC Table Mats
Rubber table mats use nitrile rubber, a natural semiconductor with inherent anti-static properties. Its molecular structure consists of numerous carbon chains, which store a certain amount of static electricity. Therefore, static electricity generated on the mat surface is quickly dissipated through the inner layer, and any remaining static electricity is smoothly conducted to the ground via the conductive layer. Rubber table mats are characterized by their ability to instantly store and discharge large amounts of static electricity, and their conductivity, resulting in a lifespan of over 5 years.
PVC table mats have a lower production cost. Their anti-static properties come from the addition of anti-static agents during production. These agents are chemicals, and after 3 to 6 months of use, they gradually evaporate, leading to a decline in their anti-static effect.
In recent years, due to the rising price of rubber, some manufacturers add a small amount of PVC to their rubber table mats, but this cannot exceed 30%, otherwise it will affect the quality and lifespan. Some manufacturers use recycled rubber as a substitute, but the carbon chains in recycled rubber are damaged, and it lacks the ability to store static electricity.
