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There are many use cases of electrically conductive coatings in military applications, largely to protect equipment against unwanted signal malfunction. Electrically conductive coatings comprise a subset of materials that are characterized by their ability to carry an electrical current.
Specifically, we can separate materials as metals, conductors (these include conductive paints), static dissipative and insulators. Figure 1 below illustrates how these subsets of materials are defined empirically.
Figure 1: Material classification based on resistance
Beyond conductors are static dissipative materials. These materials are insufficient for shielding purposes but find utility as conduits for grounding. Specifically, static dissipative materials have sufficient conductivity (106 to 1012 Ω/sq) to prevent sudden electrostatic discharge (ESD), eliminating sparks and potential ignition sources.
Contrary to metals and highly conductive materials, static dissipative materials move charge slowly in a controlled manner across a surface. With this controlled release of surface charge, there is no sudden, large potential differences generated between neighbouring surfaces that can potentially trigger sudden discharge or arcing.
The need for Static Dissipation around Ignitable Materials
Supplies like ammunition and fuel are highly explosive if ignited, making it paramount to remove any potential ignition sources near depots and storage facilities. ESD is one such source and a major cause of fire or explosions when storing, transferring and dispensing fuel. Specifically, low-sulfur diesels used in military heavy equipment can easily generate are retain static charge, which can subsequently cause a spark and ignite nearby volatiles when there is sufficient oxygen.
While removing most combustion sources seems clear, other potential sources of ESD are less obvious and require more attention. Here, even low energy electrostatic levels can trigger sensitive equipment like detonators and fuses. Electrostatic dissipative coatings are a practical solution for retrofitting existing structures to ensure charge is safely grounded, preventing static discharge and sparking.
Permanent ESD Coatings Help Mitigate ESD in Volatile Spaces
MG Chemicals’ 844AR is a one-part, acrylic ESD coating that can be applied over insulating surfaces like plastics, glass, wood and common building materials. The coating is flexible and conforms to the contours of irregular surfaces, making it a turnkey product for alleviating electrostatic buildup within large areas.
The applied coating dries quickly and does not contain hazardous solvents, meaning rooms are operational quickly after application. Products like the 844AR help ensure compliance with military standards such as MIL-STD-1686, which details ESD controls for parts, assemblies and equipment.
Supplemental Infrastructure to Complete ESD Safe Spaces
Static dissipative coatings like the 844AR are a cost-effective solution to prevent static discharge and ignition in sensitive areas like military munitions and fuel depots. The coating can be applied over insulating surfaces to safely ground charge and prevent buildup. It must be stressed however, that ESD coatings do not provide a standalone solution and that there are further design considerations to render a space ESD-compliant. Complimentary to ESD coatings, conductive flooring along with proper bonding and grounding networks must be implemented throughout the facility to prevent static buildup.
