Anti-static epoxy coatings and spreadable coatings
Spreadable coatings and anti-static epoxy coatings are used on floor surfaces that require the use of conductive or ESD coatings. For example, production areas, warehouses, workshops, printing works.
A special feature of this floor is that it prevents the generation of static electricity due to friction on the floor, which can be hazardous in various computer centres, in the electromechanical industry, in laboratories (chemistry, biology, electronics) and, for example, in specialised healthcare rooms (tomography, magnetic resonance, endoscopy).
We come into contact with static electricity every day. It is produced as a result of intense contact or friction between different materials. For example, when a shoe sole rubs against a regular floor, both surfaces acquire an electrostatic charge. The charge is transferred from the shoe to the person, building up the charge as they walk.
To prevent the generation of static electricity, a special metal-tape mesh is installed under the flooring and the flooring is bonded to the floor with an electrically conductive epoxy coating mixed with conductive metal fibres. To protect the floor, it is important to use conductive floor waxes and anti-static floor cleaning agents specifically designed for anti-static floors.
Problems caused by static electricity
Electric shock – humans begin to feel static electric shock from a voltage of around 3000 V, which is very easily generated, for example, by walking across a normal floor. In most cases, this manifests only as discomfort and can be startling, but sometimes the spontaneous jerks caused by an electric shock can lead to major accidents.
Explosion hazards – in rooms where flammable and explosive materials are used or stored, the spark discharge of static electricity can have fatal consequences.
Interferences with electronic equipment – nowadays, electronic devices are increasingly protected against static electricity, but they are still susceptible to it. Interference can be caused by a direct static discharge on a sensitive component or device, but also by electromagnetic interference. Static electricity can damage the memory cards of microsystems and render thousands, even tens of thousands of euros worth of equipment useless.
Dust – static electricity causes a build-up of dust similar to what you might see on a TV screen at home.
Anti-static flooring
Flooring materials are broadly grouped into three categories based on their anti-static properties:
- Anti-static coatings – protect people from uncomfortable charges and are also sufficient to protect personal computers and other electronic office equipment.
- Dissipative floors – allow the dissipation of the charges generated if the floor is connected to a lower potential. Used in computer rooms, electromechanical industry, laboratories, specialised health care cabinets.
- Conductive electrostatic charges – with sufficiently low electrical resistance
(£ 1×106 W) to quickly conduct static electricity charges when the flooring is earthed. Required in areas where flammable or explosive materials are stored or used: digital telecommunications centres, operating theatres and in intensive care units, high-tech laboratories and areas with strict cleanliness requirements (electronics, optics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology).