Micah Esposito is the Sr. Director of Product Development and has been with Stonhard since 2001. He holds a B.S in Chemical Engineering from Drexel University and a master's in business management from Temple University.
The Future of Static Control: Carbon Nanotube Technology in Electrostatic Flooring
A Stonhard Technical Blog
Executive Summary
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) poses a risk in industries like electronics manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and more. A single event can damage components, contaminate sterile environments, or cause safety issues.[1]
Traditional conductive flooring relies on additives like graphite or antimony-doped tin oxide, but these often require high concentrations, which can affect durability and aesthetics.[1][2]
Carbon nanotube (CNT) technology offers a better solution. CNTs create efficient conductive networks with lower filler volumes, preserving the strength and appearance of the flooring. This whitepaper explores how CNTs work, their benefits over traditional materials, and how Stonhard uses them in products like Stonchem 691 and Stonkote ESD.[2]
Key Highlights:
- CNTs achieve conductivity at lower concentrations than older additives.[3]
- Lower filler levels preserve strength, flexibility, and design options.
- Stonhard’s CNT flooring solutions combine conductivity with durability and chemical resistance.
Benefits of Carbon Nanotube Technology in ESD Flooring
Carbon nanotube (CNT) technology enables flooring systems to meet conductivity requirements with lower additive levels, preserving structural integrity and design flexibility.
Key Advantages:
- Efficient Conductive Networks: CNTs form pathways at minimal concentrations, outperforming traditional additives like graphite. [3]
- Preserved Strength: Less filler means the flooring retains its mechanical properties.
- Broad Design Options: CNTs allow for more color choices and smoother finishes.
- Uniform Conductivity: CNTs reduce resistivity inconsistencies across flooring surfaces. [2]
Conductive resinous flooring provides static control, cleanliness, and compliance in a pharmaceutical laboratory space
Introduction: Why Static Control Matters
ESD flooring is critical in environments where uncontrolled static can cause damage or safety hazards. Industries like electronics, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and munitions handling rely on consistent static control.
Key risks include:
- Electronics Manufacturing: Damaged components and production losses.[1][2]
- Pharmaceuticals: Contamination and regulatory compliance issues.[1][2]
- Aerospace: Safety hazards during fueling and maintenance.
- Semiconductors: Device damage from imperceptible static discharges.[1]
- Munitions Handling: Spark-proof surfaces to prevent ignition risks.[2]
Effective ESD flooring ensures compliance with standards like ANSI/ESD S20.20-2021, which governs static control programs.[1]
Static-control flooring designed for aerospace assembly, testing, and maintenance facilities
Carbon Nanotubes in Flooring Systems
Traditional Conductive Additives vs. Carbon Nanotubes
Common Conductive Additives and Their Limitations:
- Graphite: Requires high loading (up to 20%), which affects durability and colour.[3]
- Grapene: Graphene can be prone to restacking and agglomeration, making uniform dispersion more difficult and potentially reducing conductivity consistency.[4]
- Antimony-Doped Tin Oxide (ATO): ATO can be a higher-cost conductive additive, and some applications may require relatively high loading to achieve target conductivity, which can restrict formulation flexibility.[5]
Why CNTs Outperform:
CNTs achieve conductivity with lower filler volumes, enabling better performance, aesthetics, and flexibility.[2]
Why Lower Additive Levels Improve Flooring Performance
Mechanical Strength
Excessive filler weakens the base resin system. CNTs require less filler, preserving the flooring’s adhesion, flexibility, and chemical resistance.
Design Flexibility
Unlike traditional additives that darken coatings, CNTs allow for a range of colours, supporting safety markings and aesthetic needs.
Surface Quality
High filler levels can reduce smoothness and cleanability. Lower CNT levels retain seamless surfaces ideal for cleanrooms and controlled environments.
Stonhard’s Application of CNT Technology
Stonchem 691
A conductive novolac epoxy coating with exceptional chemical resistance, ideal for:
- Semiconductor fabs.
- Tank farms handling corrosive chemicals.
- Facilities requiring spark-proof surfaces (e.g., munitions, EV battery production).
Stonchem 691 novolac epoxy flooring for a semiconductor fab
Stonkote ESD
A pigmented, glossy epoxy coating designed for environments like:
- Electronics manufacturing
- Data centres
- Clean rooms
A data centre floor with electrostatic discharge protection from Stonkote ESD flooring
Comparison
| Feature | Stonchem 691 | Stonkote ESD |
| Chemical Resistance | High | Moderate |
| Conductivity | Excellent | Excellent |
| Aesthetic Options | Multiple Colours | Multiple Colours |
| Typical Environments | Harsh Chemicals | Static-Sensitive |
How to Evaluate CNT Flooring for Your Project
- Define Requirements: Determine conductivity (e.g., conductive or static dissipative) and environmental needs.
- Assess the Setting: Consider chemical exposure, traffic, and cleaning needs.
- Verify Compliance: Ensure the system meets standards like ANSI/ESD S20.20.
- Request Documentation: Ask for testing data and compliance certifications.
- Plan for Testing: Conduct pre- and post-installation tests per ANSI/ESD STM7.1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are carbon nanotubes?
Cylindrical carbon structures with high conductivity and efficiency.
How do CNTs improve flooring?
They achieve conductivity with lower filler levels, preserving strength and aesthetics.
What standards apply to ESD flooring?
Standards include ANSI/ESD S20.20, ANSI/ESD S7.1, and ASTM D257.
What’s the difference between conductive and static-dissipative flooring?
Conductive flooring is <1.0 × 10⁶ ohms, while static-dissipative ranges from 1.0 × 10⁶ to 1.0 × 10⁹ ohms. [8]
Next Steps
Selecting the right ESD flooring involves balancing conductivity, durability, chemical resistance, and aesthetics. Carbon nanotube technology offers an innovative solution for modern flooring needs.
Stonhard’s technical team can help evaluate your requirements and recommend the best system for your environment.
Contact us for a consultation or site evaluation!
About Stonhard
Stonhard is the unprecedented world leader in manufacturing and installing high-performance polymer floor, wall and lining systems. Stonhard maintains 300 territory managers and 200 application teams worldwide who will work with you on design specification, project management, final walk-through and service after the sale. Stonhard’s single-source warranty covers both products and installation.