142 Additives for Plastics Handbook

142 Additives for Plastics Handbook
The development problem is how to impart long-term and even permanent
anti-static properties, without the possibility of migration or leaching. A polymer
solution may be the way.
A vital requirement for effectiveness is limited compatibility (solubility) with
the host polymer and controlled mobility (rate of diffusion) in the matrix. For
polymers with a low glass transition temperature (such as polyolefins),
continuous migration of the anti-static agent is important to achieve the desired
effect, while for polymers with a glass transition rate considerably above ambient
temperature (such as PVC, ABS, and polystyrene), the decisive factor is the
compatibility at the moment of cooling.
A wide range of additives can be compounded into both thermosetting and
thermoplastic composites to produce the required degree of conductivity,
including reinforcements (such as fibres of carbon or metal, or metallized fibres)
or powders.