A static-dissipative polypropylene alloy from BFGoodrich has recently seen improvements in surface resistance and cleanliness. Stat-Rite S-250 builds on the company?s existing line of inherently dissipative polymers (IDPs) to provide permanent electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for sensitive electronics applications and cleanroom environments.

Conductive fillers like carbon and antistats had previously been the only choice for designers, say BFGoodrich sources, but could not attain ideal surface resistance. S-250?s level of static control, established in the polymerization stage, is now two orders of magnitude lower than existing ESD control technologies, or 108 ohms/sq.

The new IDP also exhibits improved cleanliness, with half the ionics and offgassing of the company?s previous version, M-200. Neil Hardwick, marketing manager for the company, notes, ?The alloys will not add ionic or particulate contaminants and offgassing to their sensitive environments, nor will they require humidity to dissipate charges effectively.? In another move to improve protection to the encased electronic components, static decay times have been decreased to less than .01 second and are reported to perform in a consistent and predictable manner. Cost ranges from $3 to $4/lb.

The BFGoodrich Co.
Cleveland, OH
Phone: (216) 447-6374
Fax: (216) 447-6211
www.stat-rite.bfgoodrich.com