What does “antistatic material” actually mean? And why does it cause so much confusion? “Antistatic material” is one of the most widely used — and misunderstood — terms in plastics and manufacturing. You hear it in packaging, electronics, logistics, healthcare, and even consumer goods. But in technical contexts like ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection and ATEX/EX (explosive atmospheres), experts warn that the term shouldn’t be used at all.
Why is the term “antistatic material” so confusing?
Toni:
Because it’s used in many industries without a consistent definition. Marketing teams love the word antistatic because it sounds simple — a material that “prevents static.” But in regulated environments, the term is inaccurate and imprecise.
In ESD control, ATEX environments or standardization (IEC, ANSI/ESD), the word antistatic is rarely used because it is used incorrectly and is not defined within the electronics industry standards. These materials can act as pathways for charge dissipation and prevent charge accumulation.
Pasi:
Yes — and that’s the problem. It sounds simple and easy to grasp, but the topic more depth to it. That’s why experts prefer the use of more specific terms like static dissipative or conductive, which are defined.
What do people typically mean when they talk about “antistatic materials”?
Toni:
The use reason varies in different industries: in public spaces antistatic materials are used to reduce uncomfortable sensations and dust attraction – while in electronics industry antistatic materials are used to reduce charge accumulation that can increase the risk of ESD damage.
Pink PE bags are often called “antistatic bags.”
Pasi:
The pink bags are a perfect example:
- They use chemical additives that migrate to the surface.
- Those additives absorb moisture from the air.
- That moisture forms a temporary conductive layer.
How do antistatic additives work? And what are their limitations?
Pasi:
Common antistatic additives are chemicals that move (i.e. migrate) to the products’ surface.
- They are somewhat incompatible with the polymer’s chemistry.
- Non-compatible part migrates to the surface over time
-
Ambient moisture sticks to the surface and becomes capable of dissipating electrostatic charges.
This mechanism works, but with some clear limitations:
1. They require humidity to function effectively.
In low humidity, the moisture layer is less dense or nonexistent. These surface-active ingredients can also react with other substances present.
2. Performance changes over time.
As additives migrate to the surface, the concentration inside the polymer decreases. Material aging and wearing causes effective ingredients to deplete, and at some point, the surface cannot regenerate.
3. Resistivity ranges are limited.
Typical resistance level is around 10^10 - 10^12 Ohms
4. Issues with regulations and factory certifications
Because performance depends on humidity, handling, surface wear, time and the successful converting process – there are many places to fail. EX areas also require surface resistance to be below 1 GOhm (or 10^9 Ohm), which is hardly achievable with migratory solutions.
What about permanent antistatic or dissipative materials?
Toni:
Antistatic is an outdated term in the electronics industry. Permanent ESD control solutions work in a completely different way than antistatic materials. They form a permanent conductive network inside the plastic.
This means:
- Performance is built-in, not applied on the surface only.
- No migration of the functional agent.
- Relatively low humidity dependence.
- Resistivity is generally stable throughout the lifetime of the product.
Pasi:
Because the conductivity comes from the material structure itself, the performance of PRE-ELEC® compounds is permanent and repeatable. That's why these materials are used in ESD trays, ATEX housings, and other critical applications. Electrically conductive carbon black or inherently dissipative polymers (IDP) provide a wide resistivity range all the way up to 10^11 Ω. The most conductive carbon-based solutions we have are in the range of few ohms - even suitable for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding purposes.
What terminology should we use instead of “antistatic materials”?
Toni:
Here’s the simple guideline:
When we are talking about permanent static control, the following are more correct terms:
- Electrostatic dissipative
- Electrostatic conductive
- Electrostatic control materials
The term “antistatic” should not be used in the Electronics industry.
Pasi:
Clear terminology makes life easier for everyone: designers, engineers, buyers, and safety managers.
What does Premix offer for permanent static control?
Pasi:
PRE-ELEC® compounds and concentrates provide:
- Permanent static control properties
- Stable resistivity (10^0 Ω to 10^11 Ω.)
- Carbon solutions up to 10^8 Ω
- IDP products from 10^8 Ω to 10^11 Ω
- A wide range of polymers
- e.g., PP, PS, PE, PA, PC/ABS, PBT, TPU, TPE
- Reliable performance for
- electrostatic control
- shielding against electromagnetic issues (cables, EMI)
- sensor applications (pipette tips, wearable electronics)
And because we tailor materials for customers, we can hit specific resistivity targets, mechanical requirements, processing needs, sustainability goals and other essential requirements.
Closing Thoughts
The term “antistatic material” may sound simple, but it hides a lot of complexity. Using the right terminology helps ensure safety, compliance, and the right material choice from the start. The more we clarify this in the industry, the better decisions ESD coordinators, engineers, designers, and procurement teams can make.
👉 Continue the Discussion
Interested in learning more or continuing the conversation? Reach out to:
Toni Viheriäkoski: Toni.Viheriakoski@ESDcafe.fi
Pasi Seppälä: Pasi.Seppala@premixgroup.com
About the Experts
Toni Viheriäkoski is the founder and CEO of Cascade Metrology Oy, a Finland-based company specializing in ESD metrology and consulting. With over 25 years of experience in ESD control, Toni is an active workgroup member of international standardization committees and has authored multiple papers on ESD phenomena, material testing, and measurement methodologies.
Connect with Toni on LinkedIn →
Pasi Seppälä is a Product Development Manager at Premix Group, focusing on conductive plastics for ESD, EMI shielding, and power cable applications. He has extensive expertise in polymer compounding and electrostatic protection across electronics and automotive industries.
Connect with Pasi on LinkedIn →
