There are two major types of antistatic additives:
– Antistatic for the process
– Antistatic for the product

Antistatic additives for the process have the purpose of reducing the accumulation of electrostatic charges during the production process.

Antistatic additives for the product, on the other hand, have the function of removing any dust deposit from the final product due to electrostatic charges generated by rubbing, especially in the presence of dry weather.

Antistatic properties are expressed in ohms, a unit of measure.
As an example:
10¹² – 10¹¹ = discrete antistatic properties
10¹⁰ – 10⁹ = good antistatic properties
10⁹ – 10⁸ = excellent antistatic properties

The active ingredient used is chosen according to the characteristics it must fulfill and differs by migration type (this phenomenon allows the active ingredient to appear on the surface).

Fast migration: the antistatic additive rises to the surface very quickly, but wears out quickly; average duration is equal to 1/2 months.

Slow migration: the antistatic additive rises to the surface very slowly, but keeps up a medium to long term antistatic action; average duration is up to 6 months.

Permanent migration: the effects of this type of antistatic additive remain unaltered through time.
This product is in demand mainly in the electrical/electronic sector.
The duration of antistatic additives, however, depends on how much the finished products that contain them have been handled: the more they are handled the more the antistatic effects are lost.

Possible processing problems
An excess of additive can give rise to problems of labeling, inking, and weldability of the finished product.