ARS | Publication request: Electrical Resistance Characteristics of Plasticized Starch Materials

Submitted to: Pacific Basin Society Chemical International Congress Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 22, 1995
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The insulative characteristic of expanded polystyrene loose-fill packing material supports the immobile triboelectric charge on its surface, causing static cling. One beneficial property of starch-based loose-fill is its anti-static behavior which prevents the buildup of electrostatic charges on the foam surface, resulting in no static cling. This investigation explores sthe electrical resistance characteristics of plasticized starch materials such as commercial loose-fill. Electrical resistance standards used in this study to measure surface resistance and static decay properties are ASTM D 257-78, EOS/ESD S-11, and EIA 541. Following these established testing protocols, the electrical resistance of starch-based and expanded polystyrene loose-fill will be quantified. Surface resistance, measured at 12% RH, of starch-based loose-fill products is less than 10**12 ohms per square, suggesting the material is inherently antistatic.