Electrostatic discharge is a problem that electronic manufacturers should not ignore. The sudden discharge of what was once a static charge can destroy or degrade highly sensitive and expensive microcircuits. It can result in burning holes through insulating layers of gate oxide in chips, and/or vaporising metal enough to cause shorting. It may otherwise degrade a device ever so slightly that it passes in-house tests but later fails in the field. The further along in the lifecycle of a component or a device when this discharge occurs, the greater is the cost of repair or replacement.
Standard PVC floor coverings are normally considered to be insulative ie, electricity has difficulty in passing though them. ESD flooring is manufactured in the same way as normal flooring but includes antistatic agents within the formulation. This is always present at the surface of the material. These antistatic agents are hygroscopic and attract moisture from the atmosphere. Combined with the moisture, it forms an ionic compound that permits the passage of electricity across the surface, and does not allow static charges to build up.
The Polyflor ESD flooring range, available from Actum Electronics, has been specifically engineered to combat this problem at source, by facilitating a uniform flow of static electricity directly to a ground point. The range covers all major applications, and includes static dissipative (SD), electrostatic conductive (EC) and conductive ROF (ROF) floorings, each of which combines static control properties with hardwearing and decorative qualities.
All ESD floorings are homogeneous in construction, to ensure that these properties are present throughout the product. This guarantees a consistent and effective appearance and performance. The accompanying photo shows the Polyflor antistatic flooring material being installed.
For more information contact Actum Electronics, Altico division, +27 (0)11 803 7435.
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