Conductive Polyphenylene Ether/Polyamide Blends For Electrostatic Painting Applications

Abstract

This chapter describes the use of conductive polyphenylene ether/polyamide blends for electrostatic painting applications. The benefits of conductive plastics for electrostatic painting are also summarized in the chapter. A significant reduction in base coat and clear coat usage is seen when one changes from traditional painting to electrostatic painting of ordinary plastics. However, a conductive priming layer must first be applied. When electrostatic painting of a conductive plastic is employed, excellent paint-transfer efficiency is maintained, but the extra process step for conductive priming is eliminated. This means that the paint booths and labor associated with conductive priming can be turned over to base and clear coat operations. In addition, the reduction in coatings usage dramatically reduces the emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If a painting operation is near the legal VOC limits, there is little that can be done to expand the capacity. A change in technology to conductive plastics can reduce VOCs to the extent that the capacity may be effectively increased without significant expense for plant and equipment.