Control of Surface Charges by Radicals as a Principle of Antistatic Polymers Protecting Electronic Circuitry

Dissipating Static The accumulation of a static charge on polymers and other insulators often causes little more than a slight annoyance but it can lead to the destruction of sensitive electrical equipment. Thus, approaches are required that prevent and dissipate static electricity through improved electrical conductivity, or that ensure complete discharge before a contact with a key piece of equipment. Baytekin et al. (p. 1368 ) show that surface charges will colocalize with radicals on the surface of a polymer, and that the addition of free radical scavengers causes a discharge of the surface as the charges are removed. The approach was used successfully to produce coatings that protected electronic circuits from damage caused by electrostatic discharge.