Static electricity can cause problems in rubber and plastic products: from attracting dust to causing dangerous shocks. Antistatic additives are an effective solution to this problem, but not all of them work the same way. This guide outlines the essential guidelines for choosing the right additive based on the material, manufacturing process, and end application.

Static electricity is not just a nuisance, like dust or dirt, but can generate electrostatic discharges (ESD) that damage electronic components, attract contamination, or even pose a fire hazard in a flammable environment.

For these reasons, if your end product (shoe sole, hose, gasket, plastic part, coating, etc.) comes into contact with dust, people, electronic equipment or industrial environments, it is advisable to consider the use of antistatic additives.

Not all additives work the same for all polymers. Effectiveness depends on polarity, chemical structure and type of base material. For example, Avanzare offers different families of additives depending on the material:

Additives specific to the type of rubber (NBR, SBR, EPDM, NR): for example, “avanSTATIC Rubber”, “avanSTATIC SBR/EPDM”, “avanSTATIC NBR 535”, etc., with typical dosage in the range of ~1–15 phr depending on the product. These additives increase the electrical conductivity of the rubber, reducing surface resistivity, which allows for effective dissipation of static charges. They are designed for standard rubber mixing processes: internal mixer (Banbury), two-roll mill, and extrusion.

For thermoplastic rubber, Avanzare offers ranges such as “avanSTATIC”, “avanDISS” and “avanNATUR” adapted to these materials. For example, the “avanDISS” range is designed to provide a permanent and colorable solution to reduce surface resistivity in thermoplastic materials.

In the case of additives for PVC, the “avanSTATIC” range includes additives such as “avanSTATIC 1050”, “avanSTATIC C333”, “avanSTATIC 1035” or “avanSTATIC PVC A03”, with typical dosages between 1 and 10 phr (or % depending on the format) depending on the product.

These antistatic additives help reduce the accumulation of electrostatic charges in PVC (and PVC-PLASTISOL products), which is useful in pipes, profiles, extrusion or injection, preventing dust attraction, unwanted discharges or damage to sensitive electronic components.

In general, Avanzare’s additive ranges share the following characteristics: permanent static/ESD dissipation performance, low dosage required, colorless or colorable, non-migrating, and minimal effect on the mechanical properties of the matrix.

If you choose an incompatible additive, you may get insufficient charge dissipation or negatively affect the mechanical properties of the material.

Antistatic additives can differ in mechanism and behavior. For example, permanent additives are integrated into the polymer matrix, creating internal charge dissipation paths. In addition, their effect is stable and long-lasting, even in dry conditions.

Other additives, however, can migrate to the surface, attract moisture, and facilitate charge dissipation through ambient humidity, although this effectiveness may depend on relative humidity.

Thus, depending on the end use (dry environment, critical loads, contact with electronics, industrial requirements, etc.), one option or the other may be recommended. In addition, the dosage (amount of additive per phr or percentage in the mixture) is usually low, which facilitates its incorporation without altering other properties.

A good antistatic additive should have minimal impact on the mechanical, physical or aesthetic properties of the rubber or plastic, avoiding changes in flexibility, stiffness, color or hardness. It is also important that it is colorless or colorable, especially when the final product requires aesthetic finishes or specific colors. It should also avoid migration, unless a migratory additive is intentionally desired. Many Avanzare additives are designed to be non-migratory, maintaining performance over the long term.

These aspects are essential when the final product is exposed to wear, weather, or when it must maintain a professional appearance.

The intended use of the final product sets the requirements. For example, in sectors where there are sensitive electronic equipment or a risk of explosion/ignition, it is advisable to use ESD additives with permanent dissipation and suitable resistivity specifications. Another key regulation is that if the product requires food contact, it is important that the additive has the appropriate certification (food-grade).

Additionally, depending on the manufacturing process, the method of incorporation matters. Whether bulk mixing, extrusion, injection, masterbatch, pellets or powder, there are different additive formats that adapt optimally to the process.

Therefore, before deciding, it is advisable to clearly define the following points: what the product will be used for, in what environment, with which processes it is manufactured, and which regulations it must comply with. By following these guidelines, it is possible to ensure that the antistatic solution will be effective, durable and safe.