Valgroup’s Antistatic Additives: efficiency and safety in plastic films

The use of plastic films in packaging plays a key role in different industrial sectors. Still, besides its benefits, there are challenges related to the accumulation of electrostatic charges. This phenomenon can compromise the aesthetics and performance of products, hinder logistical processes and even result in operational risks. It is in this scenario that antistatic additives become fundamental.

The presence of dust adhering to the surface, difficulty in packaging and transporting powders, and the risk of electrical discharges are some of the most common effects of static electricity. These situations can result in short circuits, shocks to operators and even explosions in specific environments, directly affecting safety and production efficiency.

By nature, polymers are electrical insulators and tend to accumulate charges. In plastic films, which have a high surface area relative to their volume, contact and friction between surfaces, combined with humidity conditions, promote charge separation. This creates positively and negatively charged areas, triggering the problems mentioned above.

There are tailored solutions for different environments. VAE1550PEL-E delivers optimal performance in powder packaging, even in low humidity conditions. On the other hand, VAE0055PEL-E shows greater efficiency in medium and high humidity scenarios, offering application flexibility according to process needs.

Antistatic additives work by reducing the resistivity and increasing the conductivity of the polymer. Polar and non-polar regions form the active ingredient’s molecular structure. When migrating to the film’s surface, a uniform layer is created, in which the polar part interacts with the humidity of the environment. In contrast, the non-polar part remains integrated into the polymer. This interaction promotes the dispersion and conduction of static charges, preventing their accumulation.

This means packaging becomes safer, packaging processes become more stable, and operational risks significantly reduced. As a result, we have a solution that combines performance, reliability, and protection, bolstering industrial efficiency and the final quality of the packaging.