What is Electrolysis and galvanic corrosion?
Galvanic Corrosion is the corrosion that occurs when two dissimilar metals are used together in a structure and exposed to an electrolyte (salt water, chemical, petrol) and the less noble of the 2 metals will corrode. For example; aluminum sheet with steel fasteners on a boat. Some pairings of metals are more at risk of galvanic corrosion. Check a galvanic series or chart.
Electrolysis is the acceleration of the galvanic corrosion when electricity is introduced to the metals in question. Connected by an external electrical source, the less noble metal experiences accelerated galvanic corrosion.
while both processes involve metals and electrolytes, their dependence on an external voltage source distinguishes them.
An excited consumer brings home a brand-new piece of electronic equipment, only to find that it doesn't work properly. The culprit is one small processor, damaged by electrostatic discharge somewhere between its manufacture and delivery of the finished product.
How do you calculate the price of this scenario? There's the cost of service and replacement, then there's the cost of your reputation for quality, and a negative consumer experience.
In your world, electronic protection solutions are about a lot more than finding the least expensive material. The right solution combines the lowest total cost with the most reliable performance. Quality products from PJ Bowers offer superior attributes, customized solutions, and consistent reliability on a global basis.
Electrostatic Voltage Exposure
Static Decay Rate
Compared to standard polyethylene foam, antistatic products from PJ Bowers conform to the requirement to dissipate a 5000-volt charge to 50 volts at 23°C (73°F) and 12% relative humidity in less than 2 seconds.
Enhanced Protection During Assembly, Transit and Storage
Processing, friction, and other movement cause common packaging materials to develop electrostatic charges. When a product is packaged in such material, electrostatic discharge can easily damage or even destroy sensitive electronic components. Electrostatic discharge can occur at any point during the assembly, manufacturing, packaging, shipping, and receiving of electronic devices. As the complexity of the device increases, the voltage needed to destroy it becomes smaller.
Most electronics manufacturers use some pink foam in an effort to control electrostatic discharge, but many have been surprised to discover that some pink foam packaging materials have little or no antistatic properties.
The electronic protection foam products from Ethafoam, however, feature a proprietary antistatic process that provides a much longer span of protection than typical applications used on other antistatic materials.
Under the most severe testing conditions (23°C [73°F] and 12% relative humidity), Antistatic Polyethylene Foams from Ethafoam have a typical surface resistivity of less than 10¹² Ohms/square and a surface resistance of less than 10¹⁰ Ohms.
In the assembly environment, static-sensitive products are protected by controlled dissipation of electrostatic charges, discharging way below the required two-second mark (see Figure 1).
Plus, our patented Rapid Release process technology enhances safety and convenience in shipping, handling, storage, and fabricating by reducing residual blowing agents in our foam products to trace amounts. Eliminating flammable concentrations of blowing agents means greater workplace safety. And, unequalled dimensional stability means no shrinking or swelling during the fabrication process or for end-user applications.
Long-Term Protection and Recyclability
Ethafoam products are also environmentally friendly because they are recyclable and capable of being reused several times while continuing to deliver consistent protection.
When tested three years after production, Ethafoam Antistatic foam products meet ESD approval as static dissipative materials, unlike most standard static dissipative packaging materials which have an average shelf life of one year on their electrostatic performance.
The Line-up
ETHAFOAM Polyethylene Antistatic Foam
ETHAFOAM 220 AS: Medium-density plank with superior dynamic cushion properties ideally suited for high-value, fragile products.
ETHAFOAM AS foams provide superior protection from shock, impact, abrasion, and vibration, making them ideal for cushion packaging. ETHAFOAM AS foams are used in component, circuit board, and materials-handling applications, protecting large and heavy parts more efficiently than other packaging materials. In sheet form, ETHAFOAM AS foams are used for interleaving and as antistatic cushioning wrap for smaller parts and components.
