Antistatic textiles: current status and future outlook

Abstract

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) poses increasing threats across sensitive sectors as electronic components become more delicateandnewerESDchallenges emerge.ESDresultsfrom staticchargeaccumulation oninsulated surfacesthatdischarge suddenly when high electric fi elds cause dielectric breakdown of the air gap. Contact and separation of materials with different electron af fi nities cause charge transfer through the triboelectric effect, a primary ESD generator. Low humidity exacerbates ESD risks by preventing dissipation. ESD can permanently damage sensitive electronics like integrated circuits wherevoltage thresholdsmay beonly 100 V.Beyondelectronics,ESD also threatens fl ammable industriesbytriggering fi res and explosions, healthcare sectors through device interference, and aerospace systems by disrupting avionics. Antistatic apparel and protective equipment are critical for controlling ESD in sensitive environments. Ideal materials rapidly dissipate charges while limiting discharge energy. However, optimizing both rapid decay and reduced discharge sparks involves tradeoffs between conduction and insulation. Key factors in fl uencing antistatic performance include fi ber composition, grid spacing of conductive elements, fabric structure, and how conductive components are integrated. Traditional standardized tests like resistivity have limitations for modern nonhomogeneous fabrics and real-world conditions. Application-speci fi c evaluations are ideal. Translating technological innovations into expanded testing and implementation programs is essential for increasing global adoption. With coordinated efforts, these fabrics hold the potentialto mitigate escalatingESD risksamidst accelerating technologicalprogress.Thesystematic literaturereview in this research focuses onconstructions, technological elements,andtest methodsto consider whileconstructingantistatic textiles.