What are anti-static additives?

Anti-static additives

Static electricity is the situation where electrical charges remain on the surface of a material. Rubbing of two materials against each may cause these charges. The amount of electric charge depends on the two materials but everybody knows the effect that (plastic) combs may have on your hair or the static electricity that remains on balloon after rubbling it against a wool sweater. Conductivity (flow of electric current) is necessary to discharge the material.

Electrically charged materials attract pieces of dirt, dust, hair and other debris which in many cases is not desired. Anti-static additives are chemicals that minimise the build-up of static electricity on plastic materials. Anti-static agents can be applied to the surface of products or they can be included during the manufacturing of plastics. Anti-static additives are used for aesthetic reasons as well as for (electric) safety and performance reasons depending on the end-use application.

Make sure that the anti-static additives are not restricted or banned in your destination markets.

For the chemical risk assessment of materials this is essential information from your supply chain.