Ludwigshafen, Germany - BASF has developed an antistatic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) granulate called Elastostat.
It is available as a masterbatch for use with polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and ABS.
BASF said adding the masterbtach at between 7.5 and 15% by volume produces a permanent anti-static effect irrespective of relative humidity. BASF said the additive could be used in a range of applications such as IBCs, which are often made from polyethylene inner-containers protected by a steel cage a tubular metal outer frame and a pallet. Static build up in such applications can be dangerous if a spark could ignite a flammable vapour, gas or dust.
The TPU additive could also be used in pipelines, hoses and conveyor belts to prevent the material being transported becoming electrostatically charged, BASF noted.
Cars and vans could also benefit from the anti-static properties, where polymers containing the additive would harbour less dust than untreated polymers, Another area of potential use is in packaging for electronic equipment which can be damaged by electrostatic charges.
