Static Electricity Dissipating Acrylic Fibre

FibreStat is a treated 100% acrylic fibre which conducts and dissipates static electricity.

Produced by a unique process developed specifically by the internationally-recognised Wool Research Organisation of New Zealand (WRONZ), FibreStat offers carpet manufacturers superior performance to that of traditional topical antistatic treatments which, whilst meeting stroll test standards, do not improve performance in carpet resistivity tests.

Even though static build-up is more often associated with synthetic fibres, wool carpets are not immune, especially under low humidity conditions. The results can be a problem in terms of human comfort, electronic equipment performance and in some cases, safety.

FibreStat The advantages won't come as a shock.

• Using only 0.3% (by mass) of FibreStat in conjunction with a conductive backing results in minimal static build-up
• Wears at same rate as the rest of the wool pile
• Low FibreStat content means cost-effective solutions
• Gives lower electrical resistance than traditional topical antistatic treatments
• Outstanding antimicrobial properties
• Also used in yarn production for safety apparel

FibreStat Fibre Results:

• Results of tests carried out by WRONZ to date are for FibreStat used in cut pile carpets with antistatic (carbon black) backcoat.
• The carpets were prepared as follows: blend, card, spin, ply, boil set, tuft and hand latex.
• The yarn was R5002, 170TPM singles x 200 TPM folding twist and was tufted into a standard woven polypropylene primary backing, 9mm pile height, 4 stitches per centimetre, 1/8 gauge.

Stroll Test Results:

• Carpets that generate voltages with a magnitude less than three thousand volts do not give perceptible shocks.
• FibreStat was blended at different levels and the body voltages of the resulting carpets were measured by the stroll test method (ref 1) at 20% relative humidity and 21 deg C with Neolite soled shoes.

Samples having 0.3% or more FibreStat give significantly less than the threshold body voltage.

Carpet Resistance Results:

• Carpet containing 0.3% FibreStat antistatic wool fibre, with the construction previously listed and antistatic latex, had its bulk resistance (from pile to back) and surface (pile) resistance measured. These tests are performed at 40% relative humidity and 20 deg C.

	0.3% FibreStat	No FibreStat
Bulk Resistance (ohms) Ref 2	5 x 105	6 x 1011
Surface Resistance (ohms) Ref	3 5 x 107	1 x 1012

Major computer companies (ref 4) specify a maximum resistance for a flooring system of 2 x 10¹⁰ ohms. As a comparison the results of 'FibreStat’ resistance tests listed above are 10,000 times lower than the IBM threshold.

References:

1. AATCC Test Method 134-1986, AATCC Technical Manual 1979, 55, 234.
2. WRONZ Inhouse Method.
3. NFPA 556A - 1978, National Fire Protection Authority, Boston, USA.
4. IBM System/370 Installation Manual, Physical Planning GC 22-7004-3, 1984.