Sika launches new technology for ESD coatings

Image: Author: Thomas Pusel, Head Technology Center Stuttgart

Protection of the work environment against electrostatic discharge

Static electricity is an effect caused by an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a material, remaining until it can move away employing an electric current or electrical discharge. At an industrial site, where electronic components or volatile chemicals are involved, static electricity can cause significant damage, injuries, and financial loss. Sika ESD coatings help to protect the work environment against electrostatic discharge.   

Friction, contacting, and separation results in unintended charges. While moving or walking on isolating floors with rubber soles or wheels, charges are separated into positive and negative charged surfaces. If the discharging takes place on a sensitive electronic device, significant damage can be obtained. Therefore, electrically conductive floors are widely used in high technology industries like microchip producers, car manufacturers, electronic and microelectronic, biotechnology, and clean rooms.  

To achieve conductivity in floor coatings, salt-like substances, conductive fillers, or carbon fibers are broadly used. All these techniques compromise due to these conductive ingredients on some technical, commercial, or aesthetical limitations. The new Sikafloor®-2350 ESD combines the electrical conductivity with all the properties customers expect from an epoxy floor coating.  

Image: Sika ESD coatings help to protect the work environment against electrostatic discharge

Sikafloor®-2350 ESD - The SMART ESD-Floor

Sikafloor®-2350 ESD is a decorative, protective, and easy to apply dissipative self-leveling system for concrete or cement screeds with normal up to medium-heavy wear. It is particularly suitable for areas with requirements for a low electrostatic charge (Body-voltage) and dissipative surface.

This new product was developed to fulfill the highest demands where the system shoe – floor provides the primary grounding according to DIN EN 61340-5-1.Typical applications include industries that process, assemble, install, package, test, or transport, such as cleanroom, pharmaceutical, automotive industries. Sikafloor®-2350 ESD conforms to the requirements of LEED EQ Credit 4.2: Low-Emitting Materials: Paints & Coatings.