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Static electricity can cause numerous issues on manufacturing sites and in daily life. Antistatic coatings technology offers an effective solution to suppressing its effects. This article provides general information on antistatic coatings, including their fundamentals, the unique characteristics of advanced antistatic coatings, and specific application examples, focusing on the innovative “DENATRON”.
Basics of antistatic coatings
Since plastic and glass are insulators that do not conduct electricity, they are susceptible to generating and retaining static electricity. Generally, metals are considered conductive and do not generate static electricity. However, when a metal is electrically insulated, static electricity can occur just as it does with insulators.
When static electricity is generated, dust easily adheres to surfaces. While this phenomenon is common in everyday life, it can cause serious problems in manufacturing sites, such as reduced product quality and work efficiency. Static electricity can also cause machine breakdowns and, in some cases, fires.
Therefore, measures to prevent dust adhesion and static electricity are essential in manufacturing sites. Antistatic coating technology, which reduces static electricity, has been the focus of attention. This article will describe what antistatic coatings are, their types and purposes, and the effects of DENATRON.
What is antistatic coatings?
Static electricity is generated when objects become charged due to friction or other causes. It can cause dust adhesion, malfunction of electronic equipment, and fire hazards. Antistatic coatings is a special process that makes materials less static.
When a material is charged with static electricity, the accumulated electricity seeks to neutralize the charge imbalance through contact with other objects. However, insulators such as plastics do not conduct electricity well, making it difficult to resolve the charge imbalances, and thus, these materials remain easily charged.
To prevent this, antistatic coatings are applied to make materials more conductive or coat them with surfactants that attract moisture to the surface. This process makes it easier for electricity to pass through, minimizing static charge and preventing various problems caused by static electricity.
Types of antistatic coatings
There are many types of antistatic coatings, each with unique characteristics and advantages. These materials are selected based on applications and environments to provide optimal antistatic effects. The table below summarizes each material’s characteristics.
Please scroll horizontally.
| PEDOT:PSS (polythiophene) |
CNT (Carbon nanotube) | Surfactants | Polypyrrole, polyaniline |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conductivity | Excellent | Good | Acceptable | Good |
| Transparency | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Acceptable |
| Durability | Acceptable → Good | Excellent | Acceptable | Poor → Acceptable |
| Contamination on contact surface | Extremely low | Extremely low | Somewhat high | Low |
| Stability in a low-humidity environment | Electronic conduction | Electronic conduction | Poor, Ionic conduction | Electronic conduction |
| Processing | Coating | Coating Compounding |
Coating Compounding |
Coating Compounding |
| Necessary quantity | Low | Low | High | High |
| Material cost | Acceptable | Acceptable | Very Inexpensive | Inexpensive |
| Main solvent | Water-based | Water-based or solvent-based | Water-based or solvent-based | Solvent based |
| Usability with different substrates | Acceptable → Excellent | Acceptable → Excellent | Acceptable → Excellent | Acceptable → Excellent |
| PEDOT:PSS (polythiophene) |
CNT (Carbon nanotube) | Surfactants | Polypyrrole, polyaniline |
“→” means that it can be improved with our formulation techniques.
The main antistatic coatings, features, and advantages are discussed in detail.
PEDOT:PSS
PEDOT:PSS is a polythiophene-based conductive polymer known for its excellent conductivity and high transparency when used as a coating. Stable performance is assured even in low-humidity environments. Due to its high conductivity, only a tiny amount is needed, and a film as thin as 0.03 μm can maintain sufficient conductivity.
CNT (Carbon Nanotube)
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are cylindrical honeycomb structures made of graphene, with carbon atoms bonded in a hexagonal pattern. In powder form, CNTs tend to aggregate into bundles due to strong π-conjugation and van der Waals forces, making them difficult to separate.
However, CNTs offer excellent conductivity and high transparency when well-dispersed and used as a coating. The conductivity can be adjusted by changing the type of CNTs and the dispersion design. Similar to PEDOT:PSS, CNTs perform well even in very thin layers.
Surfactants
Surfactants are inexpensive and widely used but can be challenging to use in cleanrooms with low humidity. Their antistatic mechanism relies on ionic conduction through moisture absorption near the material’s surface.
Polypyrrole and polyaniline
These are types of conductive polymers. They are inherently conductive with stable performance even in low-humidity environments. They are easily colored but tend to have low durability.
Different antistatic coatings have characteristics suited to various applications and environments. Therefore, choosing the appropriate material for each specific use is essential.
Purpose of antistatic coatings
Antistatic coatings prevent various problems caused by static electricity. Static electricity can attract dust to products, cause electronic equipment to malfunction, and even start a fire. The specific purposes of antistatic coatings are explained in detail.
Prevents the adhesion of dust
Antistatic coatings prevent dust from adhering to products due to static electricity. When static electricity occurs, dust and fine particles are easily attracted to the product’s surface, affecting its appearance and reducing its quality.
They help maintain your products’ appearance and quality.
Protect products
Antistatic coatings reduce the risk of product failure caused by static electricity generated when peeling off a film or label. Static electricity is easily generated during these processes and can cause failure or deterioration of electronic devices and precision components.
The effects of static electricity are particularly critical for delicate electronic components and high-performance devices. Applying an antistatic coating significantly reduces the risk of static electricity generation when peeling off films.
Ensures safety
Static electricity generated when removing films or labels can cause sparks and pose a major hazard, as they can lead to fires, especially in flammable materials or environments. Applying an antistatic coating effectively suppresses the generation of static electricity, improving safety and disaster prevention.
Prevent malfunction
When static electricity is generated, it can affect electronic circuits and cause malfunctions when charged electricity is discharged. Antistatic coatings prevent frequent malfunctions caused by static electricity, improving product reliability and stability.
About DENATRON
DENATRON is a revolutionary antistatic coating. This section provides an overview of its features and applications.
What is DENATRON?
DENATRON is a conductive paint (ink/coating) available in two types: Type-P, based on the polythiophene conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS, and Type-C, based on CNTs. DENATRON forms coatings with excellent electrical conductivity and high transparency, and is so thin that it is almost invisible when applied.
The conductivity can be adjusted over a wide range (surface resistivity of 102 to 1010 Ω/sq), making it suitable for various applications, from antistatic layers to transparent electrodes. Additionally, it can be applied using general-purpose wet processes, with the coating films formed through heat treatment at relatively low temperatures. It is a water or water/alcohol-based conductive coating with low environmental impact.
Product types
DENATRON offers two product types to leverage its excellent properties and accommodate diverse applications. Each type is developed based on a different material, tailored to meet a wide range of needs. Below, we will explain the two product types of DENATRON in detail.
Type-P
Type-P is a conductive coating based on the polythiophene conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS. This material boasts excellent conductivity and high transparency, making it ideal for applications, such as electronic devices and displays. Additionally, various additives can be incorporated to enhance its functionality. It is a versatile coating suitable for a variety of applications.
Type-C
Type-C is a conductive coating based on CNTs. It offers excellent heat and UV resistance, making it ideal for applications requiring stable conductive performance over long periods.
Features
DENATRON is a highly functional antistatic coating with several excellent features. This section outlines its key features.
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Outstanding transparency
DENATRON has minimal absorption in the visible light range and can be applied in thin layers, resulting in a highly transparent coating.
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Stable conductivity
The electronic conduction mechanism ensures stable conductivity that is not affected by humidity.
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Excellent workability
DENATRON can be used in various coatings and printing methods, including gravure coating, slit coating, Die coating, and screen printing.
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Environmentally friendly
DENATRON is a water-based or water/alcohol-based coatings with low environmental impact.
Uses
DENATRON has many applications. This section discusses the main areas in which it is used.
Antistatic film
DENATRON prevents dust from adhering to displays and electronic components and protects them from static electricity damage. It can be applied to optical, protective, and carrier films, as well as other surfaces, to impart an antistatic effect. It addresses the following issues:
・Adhesion of dust to the product due to static electricity.
・Generation of static electricity when peeling off the film causes product breakdown.
・Spark and fire risk when peeling off the film.
・Products getting charged during use, causing malfunctions.
Antistatic packaging tray
DENATRON ensures that packaging trays used for displays and related components are antistatic, preventing damage from static electricity. It addresses the following issues:
・Adhesion of dust to the product due to static electricity.
・Generation of static electricity when peeling off the film causes product breakdown.
・Spark and fire risk when peeling off the film.
・Products getting charged during use, causing malfunctions.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI)/ electrostatic discharge (ESD) shielding
IPS-type LCDs are susceptible to static electricity, necessitating antistatic functions to prevent malfunctions and breakdowns. DENATRON’s use of organic materials results in a low refractive index of approximately 1.5, reducing light reflection compared to metal sputtering (ITO) films. This improves the car display visibility, especially when light reflection is an issue. It solves the following problems:,
・Product malfunctions caused by static electricity.
・Signal disruption due to EMI.
・Product failures due to ESD.
・Reduced visibility due to light reflection on the display.
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Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information about DENATRON or to discuss specific applications. Our experts will help you find the best solution for your needs and assist with all your technical questions about antistatic coatings, product selection, and customization possibilities.
Nagase ChemteX Corporation is your partner in product development and quality improvement, offering optimal antistatic solutions. We look forward to hearing your requests and questions.
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