Anti-Static Floor Coatings

 

Introduction

Static electricity, as the name suggests, is a type of electrical charge that accumulates in one area and is truly static. Electrical current, also called circuit current, moves from one place to another along a defined path and is known as electric current—the complete opposite of static electricity. Static electricity generally arises when non-conductive materials such as plastic and rubber are rubbed against each other for a period of time. What matters here is not the friction itself. Repeatedly and continuously bringing different materials into contact with one another, as friction is a highly effective way of generating static electricity. Static electricity is genuinely useful and can be put to practical use in many different ways. A camera flash is an example. When the capacitor—that is, the electrical storage device—in a camera flash is fully charged, a light comes on, and when the shutter is pressed, the capacitor rapidly discharges through a powerful xenon bulb, creating a brief flash of light like a mini lightning bolt. The situation with actual lightning is the same. So much electrical charge builds up in a cloud that the air between it and the ground can no longer serve as an insulator. As a result, when electricity effectively flows suddenly to Earth, it becomes a visible massive electrical circuit. To bring unwanted static electricity under control, it is necessary to create a current circuit and convert it to regular electricity. Although static electricity is not harmful in itself, when large amounts accumulate and suddenly discharge, it can lead to dramatic and dangerous situations. For example, approximately 3,000 volts are needed to produce even a 1 mm spark. Sometimes a tiny spark from static electricity can cause explosions. Nevertheless, static electricity can also be useful—photocopiers and laser printers cannot work without it. However, it must be kept under control. If static builds up on your body as you walk across a carpet and you then begin using sensitive electronic components, a sudden discharge of current from your body could be sufficient to cause very expensive damage.

Antistatic:

This is where products can help. To stop static electrification, it is necessary to ensure that the electricity here never has a chance to accumulate. In other words, one must ensure there is some kind of electrical current circuit so that any electrical charge can be safely conducted away. Antistatic products achieve this in many different ways, sometimes physical and sometimes chemical. Beyond being a problem for moving vehicles, static electricity can also be a problem for moving people. Continuous walking on floor coverings made from synthetic fibers generates a static charge in a person. Although this normally does not create a cause for concern, it can be a problem in an office equipped with sensitive electronics or computer equipment. For this reason, sensitive electronic devices are grouped in a circuit, and an electrically conductive plate is used to safely ground any static electricity. Antistatic floor coatings for floors, walls and ceilings are proven effective antistatic coatings. These are used in OEM facilities, computer and electronic assembly areas, data centers / IT rooms, warehouses, commercial buildings, laboratories and similar places to eliminate the need for individual grounding. They are used wherever static accumulation must be eliminated. In structure, they resemble normal floor coatings. However, they differ in that they contain electrically conductive carbon fibers. Antistatic coating is a triple coating, also called multilayer. The base conductive layer is water-based, slightly odorous, non-toxic, and cleanable with soap and water.

Application

It can be applied by roller, brush or spray. Conductivity range: permanent conductivity in the 103 – 105 ohm range. For additional grounding protection, it is recommended to use a grounding plate after application to floors.

Carbon Fiber

Hospital Unit with Antistatic Conductive Coating

Multilayer system antistatic example coating composition: Antistatic floor coating is applied as a multilayer system in three different layers. The total dry film thickness of these three layers ranges between 1,120 – 1,200 microns. These layers are, in order: 1. Solvent-free epoxy primer coat: 40-80 microns 2. Conductive water-based intermediate coat: 80-120 microns 3. Final coat (conductive) coating: 1,000 microns = 1 mm

Properties of solvent-free epoxy resin:

Solvent-free, bisphenol A / F + monofunctional reactive diluent, non-crystallizing colorless epoxy resin. Its low viscosity and good wetting properties make it suitable for loosely textured concrete.

Properties of hardener:

Low viscosity and long pot life, making it suitable as a universal hardener for high-filled coating systems, mortars and floor coatings. At temperatures above 10°C, cured epoxy resin systems do not show skinning or tackiness on the surface and cure uniformly. It shows good chemical resistance. Viscosity is low.

Application:

These two components are mixed by weight in the ratio of 2 to 1. To 1 part epoxy resin (component 1), 1 part epoxy hardener is added by weight. Mix thoroughly. Apply the prepared raw concrete surface by the scraping method. Cures in 16-24 hours. Consumption varies between 80-100 g/m2 depending on concrete surface. If necessary, damaged floors are filled with epoxy putty.

Properties of water-based epoxy hardener:

It does not contain organic solvents or free amines and is a polyamine adduct-based, water-soluble epoxy hardener. It also has emulsifying properties for liquid epoxy resins. Cures and sets quickly. Long pot life and very low odor.

Properties of emulsified epoxy resin:

Water-based emulsion resin with a milky appearance. Water-based coating is used in the production of anticorrosive paints. Used as a hardener in two-component water-based systems.

Preparation and application:

In order, inputs 1 – 4 are given and mixed, then input 5 is given and mixed. It is then dispersed. Water is then added. Mixed and dispersed. By weight, 100 parts of component 1 receives 45 parts hardener as emulsified epoxy resin. Mix thoroughly. After the primer has cured, i.e., 16-24 hours after primer application, this conductive coating is spread over the previously cured solvent-free epoxy primer with a roller or squeegee. It cures in approximately 12-24 hours. However, the ambient temperature at the time of application must be between 12°C - 30°C. The maximum relative humidity must not exceed 65%. The resulting dry film thickness ranges between 80-120 microns. The concrete strength must be a minimum of 1.5 N/mm2. The moisture content of the floor concrete must not exceed 4%. Properties of solvent-free epoxy resin: Solvent-free, bisphenol A / F + monofunctional reactive diluent, non-crystallizing colorless epoxy resin. Its low viscosity and good wetting properties make it suitable for loosely textured concrete. Properties of hardener: Low viscosity and long pot life, making it suitable as a universal hardener for high-filled coating systems, mortars and floor coatings. At temperatures above 10°C, cured epoxy resin systems do not show skinning or tackiness on the surface and cure uniformly. It shows good chemical resistance. Viscosity is low. Preparation and application: First, 1 is emptied into a container. Then 2-3 are given and mixed. 4-7 are given, mixed and dispersed, then 8 and 9 are given and mixed. By weight, 80 parts component 1 is mixed thoroughly with 20 parts hardener. After the previous intermediate coat has cured for 12-24 hours, this prepared final floor coating is applied with a roller or squeegee. It is then spread with a spiked roller. It cures within 15 hours – 2 days. Full cure takes 7 days. The dry film thickness produced here can vary between 1-1.5 mm depending on application. Ambient temperature must be between 12°C - 30°C. Mehmet Namık Kayaalp Chemical Engineer Ecelak Boya Kimya Ltd. Şti.

References: 1. UPPC AG, Mietingen-Baltringen, Germany, Technical Data Sheet, 2002, 2. PCI, Chris Woodford., July 9, 2016. 3. Chering AG, Surface Protection, Technical information, March 1978, 4. Bakelite AG, Technical information, 1997.