Antistatic additives inherently conductive polymers

There are two generic types of permanent antistats hydrophilic polymers and inherently conductive polymers. Hydrophilic polymers are currently the dominant permanent antistats in the market. Typical materials that have been used successfully are such polyether block copolymers as PEBAX from Atochem. Typical use levels for these materials are in excess of 10%. B.F. Goodrich is supplying compounds utilizing their permanent antistat additive, STAT-RITE. Office automation equipment, such as fax and copier parts, is the principal application for permanent antistats based on hydrophilic polymers. The most common resins are ABS and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS). 

Permanent antistats do not depend on the relative humidity and they do not lose their effectiveness in a short time. One type is exemplified by the use of polyether-polyamide block copolymers combined with an intrinsically conducting substance, and another class consists of neoalkoxytitanates or zirconates. These compounds form non-blooming, bipolar layers, producing a surface and volume electron-transfer circuit, which produces a permanent antistatic effect. They are independent of atmospheric moisture and compatible with a wide range of polymers, including polyolefins, polyesters, polystyrene and PVC. Inherently conducting polymer additives such as sulfonated polyanilines are also used. They are discussed further in Chapter 5. 

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