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Electrical resistance characteristics of starch foams

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Abstract

The insulative character 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 antistatic behavior, which prevents the buildup of electrostatic charges on the foam surface, resulting in no static cling. This investigation explores the 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 is quantified. Surface resistivity, measured at 12% RH, of starch-based loose-fill products is less than 1.0×1012 Ω per square characteristic of inherently static dissipative materials.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Food Physical Chemistry Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 North University Street, 61604, Peoria, Illinois

    Paul D. Tatarka

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  1. Paul D. Tatarka
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Names are necessary to report factually on available data; however, the USDA neither guarantees nor warrants the standard of the product, and the use of the name by the USDA implies no approval of the product to the exclusion of others that may be suitable.

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Tatarka, P.D. Electrical resistance characteristics of starch foams. J Environ Polym Degr 4, 149–156 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02067449

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