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About electrostatic polypropylene

Types of Electrostatic Polypropylene

Polypropylene is one of the most popular thermoplastics in the world. Commonly referred to as pp, polypropylene is second only to polyethylene in popularity.

Because of its unique chemical makeup, this plastic can be manufactured in several different types:

  • High Crystalline Polypropylene

    About 30-70 % of this polypropylene’s crystalline structure is monosaturated. Chemical reactions that crystallize this plastic allow it to remain solid at room temperature.

    Due to their stability and rigidity, they are primarily used as insulator materials and container manufacturing.

  • Low Crystalline Polypropylene

    This type has a lower degree of crystallization than high crystalline polypropylene. It means that it can melt at lower temperatures.

    The reduced acidity allows it to be more elastic and flexible. Because of this, it is commonly used in manufacturing plastic photovoltaic cells.

  • Syndiotactic Polypropylene

    About 90% of this polypropylene’s crystalline structure is unsaturated. This isotactic structure allows it to remain more stable and rigid than its syndiotactic counterpart.

    It can also be more heat-retardant. Syndiotactic polypropylene is mainly used in manufacturing rechargeable organics.

  • Elastomeric Polypropylene

    This polymer has rubber-like properties due to the presence of elastic long molecules. These molecules can stretch easily and return to their original shape after the removal of stress.

    Thanks to its flexibility and durability, among others, elastomeric polypropylene is mostly used in the production of coatings.

  • Aromatic Polypropylene

    This type is made by polymerizing propylene in the presence of auxiliaries. These auxiliaries are molecules that contain aromatic groups to stabilize the polymer chemical structure.

    Aromatic polypropylene features high tensile strength and resistance to many harmful organic solvents. This makes it ideal for coating and adhesive applications.

Features of Electrostatic Polypropylene

Polypropylene is a linear hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer propene. One of its most common applications is as an insulating material for electrostatic discharge or ESD.

Polypropylene has unique chemical and physical properties that make it ideal for this application:

  • Plastic Properties of Polypropylene

    It is a thermoplastic polymer that can be heated and shaped multiple times. These traits make it a very versatile material in almost every industry.

  • Surface Resistivity

    ESD Polypropylene’s surface resistivity ranges from 10^3 to 10^12 ohms / square.

    A material’s surface resistivity refers to the electrotechnical resistance established between two opposite electrical potentials placed on a material’s surface, separated by a unit area. It is measured in ohms per square.

  • Volume Resistivity

    The volume resistivity of electrostatic pp generally ranges between 10^3 and 10^12 ohm cm.

    Volume resistivity is a material’s resistance to the flow of electric current. It is established between opposite electric potentials placed within the material and separated by a unit volume. It is measured in ohm cm.

  • Dielectric Strength

    This refers to the maximum electric field a dielectric material can hold without breakdown. Electrostatic polypropylene typically has a dielectric strength of about 310 v / mil.

    It is an important parameter for ESD materials. Polypropylene copolymer is often used in packaging sensitive electronic components because it does not conduct electricity.

  • Static Decay Rate

    The static decay rate of electrostatic polypropylene is typically around 0.09 seconds.

    The static decay rate refers to how long it takes for an electrical charge built upon the surface of a material to dissipate after the application of a grounded element.

  • Material Durability

    It is highly resistant to chemicals and solvents. These include highly-acidic substances such as hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide and sulfuric acid, among others.

Uses of Electrostatic Polypropylene

ESD Polypropylene is used in a multitude of applications that require the safe handling and storage of sensitive electronic components:

  • Electronic Packaging

    Polypropylene sheets are often used to make conductive bags, trays and containers that protect electronic parts from electrostatic discharge.

  • Industrial Packaging

    Coated polypropylene is employed in electronics to create anti-static wrappers and boxes. These prevent damage to components during shipping and storage.

  • Cleanrooms

    These are controlled environments where the level of contamination is kept to a bare minimum. Due to their low particulate generation, polypropylene sheets are ideal for use in cleanrooms.

    They contribute to preventing contamination of electronic and semiconductor products.

  • Storage Solutions

    Polypropylene bins, boxes and shelving are used in inventory and manufacturing areas to organize and protect electronic components from static-related damage.

  • Industrial Applications

    They include wire and cable harnesses, assembly lines and other manufacturing processes. These help prevent static discharge that can endanger electronic components.

  • Protective Equipment

    Polypropylene sheets are used in the production of anti-static work surfaces, wrist straps and mats. These help safeguard both workers and sensitive electronics from electrostatic discharge.

  • Automotive Applications

    Electrostatic Discharge Polypropylene is used in several protective applications within automobiles. These include interior electronic component packaging and shielding.

  • Medical Devices

    Some medical equipment is sensitive to electrostatic discharge. They therefore use ESD-protective polypropylene packaging to ensure safe storage and transport.

How to Select Electrostatic Polypropylene

Selecting electrostatic polypropylene for a project requires careful consideration of the key parameters above, as well as the specific needs of an application:

  • Surface Resistivity

    A material’s surface resistivity should ideally match an application’s electrostatic discharge control requirements. These needs will vary based on a component’s sensitivity to electrostatic discharge.

  • Thickness

    The thickness of electrostatic polymer polypropylene will influence its strength and durability. At the same time, it will affect its flexibility and transparency.

    These factors will each impact an application’s functionality. One will also impact the ease of handling and storage during transportation.

  • Static Decay Rate

    This is a measure of how quickly a material will dissipate static charge after it has been built up.

    Decay rates that are on the slower side will provide a longer electrostatic discharge protection for highly-sensitive components.

  • Durability

    Consider electrostatic polypropylene’s durability to ensure protection against physical damage. Look at factors like chemical and moisture resistance, as well as temperature extremes.

  • Industry Standards

    Polypropylene electrostatic shielding should meet certain industry standards for static control. These include the ANSI / ESD 11.11 and the ESD / S20.20 among others.

    Then consider additional certifications that may be necessary depending on an industry’s or client’s requirements.

  • Sourcing

    Look for reputable suppliers or manufacturers who specialize in providing ESD materials. Ensure they have a proven track record of quality and consistency.

Q & A

What is ESD Polypropylene?

It is a type of thermoplastic polymer that has been specially formulated to control static electricity. The formulation typically includes conducting and dissipative additives that allow polypropylene to effectively shield electronic components from electrostatic discharge.

What are the benefits of ESD Polypropylene?

They include availability in a variety of thicknesses, textures and colors. This polypropylene packaging can be customized to fit any need requirement precisely. It is also an impact-resistant, strong and a cost-effective packaging solution.

What is polypropylene electrically conductive made of?

Some of the best electrically conductive materials to coat with include carbon black, carbon fibers, copper, nickel, silver, graphite and bronze-coated fibers.

What is the electrostatic discharge of ESD polypropylene?

It can protect semiconductor devices and other electronic components from damage due to uncontrolled electrostatic discharge.