Anti-Static Tests

Ensuring the comfort and electrostatic properties of textile materials

Static electricity occurs when an electric charge accumulates on an object’s surface, and is usually the result of two materials moving apart or rubbing together. Electrostatic discharge from yarns, fabrics or garments is not only unwelcome but in some cases may be hazardous. 

Static electricity will increase in dry and cold weather, and thus static shock occurs more often on winter days. Poor electrostatic properties of textile materials can often lead to an uncomfortable wearing experience. Besides deliveringsmall electric shocks, in certain environments such as areas with flammable of volatile liquids or gases, static electricity can pose serious health and safety risks. For this reason, in such environments workers are required to wear personal protective clothing with good anti-static properties.  

Direct Measurement of Surface or Vertical Electrical Resistance of textiles are the well-known test methods to evaluate the anti-static performance of the textiles. Equipped with the most advanced testing equipment and technical knowhow, Intertek is your ideal partner to investigate the electrostatic properties of textile materials.

Test Principle:

• Specimens are conditioned at specified relative humidity and temperature.  
• A DC potential is applied to the electrode assembly and the resistance of the fabric is measured. 
• The higher the surface/vertical electrical resistance, the greater the charge accumulating on the fabric surface and the worse the corresponding anti-static performance. 

Test Scope: 

•  Fibers, yarns, flock and fabrics 
•  Materials for electrostatic dissipative clothing 
• Made-up textiles 
•  Testing standards: AATCC 76, AATCC 84, BS EN 1149-1, DIN 54345-1, GB/T 22042 

 Report: 

• Log (Surface Electrical Resistivity) 
•  Surface Electrical Resistance 
•  Surface Electrical Resistivity 
•  Vertical or Volume Electrical Resistance