Safety in Explosion-Risk Areas: ATEX Regulations
The European ATEX directives impose strict requirements for materials intended for environments with explosive atmospheres. One of the most stringent criteria concerns surface electrical resistivity: it must be sufficiently low to prevent the accumulation of electrostatic charges, which could generate dangerous discharges and trigger explosions.
This represents a particularly critical challenge for plastic components, which are notoriously insulating.
The Limitations of Traditional Antistatic Compounds
Classic antistatic compounds use conductive fillers such as:
- Carbon black
- Graphite
- Carbon fibers
- Steel fibers
These systems are effective, but they have a significant limitation: the final product is always black. This is a problem for applications that require visual identification, aesthetics, or color coding, such as in industrial, medical, or military devices.
LATIOHM PD02: Permanent Antistatic Properties and Custom Colors
The LATIOHM PD02 line introduces an innovative solution: compounds with permanent antistatic properties and full colorability.
An example is LATIOHM 62-08 PD02 G/35, used to create a modular ATEX flashlight:
- Base polymer: PA6, resistant to oils, greases, and hydrocarbons
- Reinforcement: 35% glass fibers for increased strength
- Coloration: bright yellow, visible and codifiable
- Antistatic properties: resistivity < 10⁹ Ω, stable over time
- Modular design: interchangeable parts, flexible applications
- Processability: suitable even for large parts
Advantages of the Colorable Antistatic Compound
| Feature | Benefit |
| Stable resistivity | Permanent antistatic properties even in critical environments |
| Colorability | Possibility to avoid standard black |
| PA6 base | High workability, good surface aesthetics |
| 35% glass fibers | High mechanical strength |
| Moldability | Usable in standard molds without modifications |
FAQ
What is a colorable antistatic compound?
It’s a technopolymer that combines controlled electrical conductivity with colorability, ideal for ATEX environments.
Why avoid black in conductive compounds?
For aesthetic needs, visibility, functional coding, or industrial branding.
Is the antistatic property permanent?
Yes, in LATIOHM PD02 compounds it is guaranteed over time, without functional decay.
Contact Us
If you are developing components for explosion-risk environments (ATEX) and need a colorable antistatic compound, materials like LATIOHM PD02 offer a unique combination of safety, aesthetics, and reliability. Contact us to learn more.
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