Antistatic films

Protecting sensitive products with anti-static films

The static charge of films is a problem that should not be underestimated. Fortunately, anti-static films are now available that no longer build up static electricity. For most films on the market, this is achieved through a conductive layer that allows the electrical charge to dissipate. With such films, highly flammable goods or sensitive electronic components can be packaged without the risk of ignition or damage caused by electrostatic discharge. Films with a surface resistance of less than 10¹¹ ohms are referred to as anti-static films. Most anti-static films are equipped with a hygroscopic surface coating that attracts moisture from the air. Through this thin moisture film, the electrical charge can continuously dissipate, preventing electrostatic discharges from occurring.

How do electrostatic discharges occur?

An electrostatic discharge (also known as ESD, from the English term “electrostatic discharge”) occurs when high potential differences are not dissipated but instead release themselves in the form of electrical breakdowns. The most well-known example of an electrostatic discharge is lightning during a thunderstorm. In plastic film, such potential differences that can lead to breakdowns may be generated through friction. During these discharges, a high electric current occurs briefly, which can even result in sparking. This is why physics classes often demonstrate experiments on electrostatic charging using films. The sparks make the charge buildup and subsequent discharge clearly visible.

Consequences of electrostatic charging of films

Due to the possibility of sparking, flammable substances must not be packaged in films that can generate electrostatic discharge. Problems with electrostatic discharges can arise particularly in winter, when dry air makes it difficult for electrostatic charges created by friction to dissipate through humidity. In summer, however, the warmer air usually contains higher humidity, allowing electrostatic charges to dissipate more effectively through the more conductive air.

Anti-static films as a key component of ESD protection

In occupational safety, ESD protection is an important area. There are two fundamental approaches to ESD protection: either electrostatic charging is prevented or minimized, or ESD protection is achieved by avoiding rapid discharges. In companies where electrostatically sensitive components are manufactured, so-called ESD protected areas (EPAs) are established. These zones are equipped with ESD-compliant flooring, work surfaces, and protective clothing in order to prevent electrostatic charging or to dissipate it in a controlled manner. Wherever films are handled in such environments, they must of course also be equipped with anti-static properties.

Applications of anti-static films in packaging

The first anti-static films were developed for packaging explosives due to the risk of ignition and therefore explosion. However, other flammable goods, including powdered and dried food products, can also ignite as a result of electrostatic discharges. Electronic components usually do not ignite, but they can be damaged and their functionality disrupted by such discharges. For this reason, anti-static films are also in demand for packaging electronic products. It should be noted that even very small discharges, which are not perceptible to human senses, can be harmful to electronic components. Humans generally only notice an electrostatic discharge at around 2,000 volts. Sensitive semiconductor-based electronic components often tolerate voltages of only 5 to 30 volts. This clearly shows that anti-static films are an essential requirement for safe transport in this field.

Applications of anti-static films in technical fields

Anti-static materials are important not only in packaging, but also in the manufacturing and production of electronic components. They help prevent electrostatic discharge and thus avoid damage to components during production as well as in later operation. For applications in the automotive industry, surface finishing, and the plastics industry, as well as as a carrier film in flexographic printing, offset printing, or screen printing, optimont MF-AS anti-static films are used, for example. In addition to their anti-static properties, this PET film is biaxially oriented, crystal clear, dimensionally stable, heat-resistant, and tear-proof. It is supplied as narrow rolls, short rolls, mother rolls or master rolls, as well as in sheet-cut formats.

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