Introduction to Nanotube ESD Coatings

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a sudden flow of electricity between two objects, which can damage sensitive electronic components, ignite flammable liquids, or cause other hazardous events. In industries that handle these materials, ESD flooring is crucial for mitigating these risks.

One of the most exciting advancements in recent years is the use of carbon nanotube technology in resinous ESD floor coatings. There are many benefits to using nanotube coatings when compared to traditional ESD flooring systems.

What are Carbon Nanotubes?

Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical molecules made of a single layer of carbon atoms. These tiny structures possess exceptional properties regarding structural resilience and conductivity:

High Strength: Carbon nanotubes are significantly stronger than steel.
Excellent Conductivity: They exhibit high electrical and thermal conductivity.
Lightweight: They are incredibly light, making them ideal for applications where weight is a concern.
Durability: They are resistant to wear, corrosion, and chemical damage.

Benefits of Nanotube Coatings

The key advantage of Nanotube ESD systems is their ability to provide exceptionally consistent conductivity compared to traditional ESD flooring.

Traditional systems often rely on conductive particles that can clump or distribute unevenly, leading to inconsistent conductivity and the risk of 'hot spots' – localized areas of high resistance. In contrast, the unique properties of carbon nanotubes allow them to form a highly uniform and interconnected conductive network within the coating. This ensures that static charges are evenly dissipated across the entire floor surface, providing more reliable and long-lasting ESD mitigation.

KRETUS® Nanotube ESD Conductive System Diagram

KRETUS Nanotube Coatings

KRETUS is at the forefront of utilizing carbon nanotube technology in flooring systems. We offer advanced solutions that leverage the unique properties of nanotubes to deliver exceptional performance.

KRETUS has harnessed the power of carbon nanotubes to create cutting-edge ESD flooring systems. Our KRETUS® NANOTUBE ESD systems provide superior static control, enhanced durability, and long-lasting reliability.

Key advantages of KRETUS Nanotube ESD Systems:

Single Conductive Coating: KRETUS Nanotube ESD systems are built with one conductive top coat, instead of a conductive primer and ESD top coat. This makes the maintenance and cleaning much easier and, in turn, increases the lifespan of the coating.
Better ESD Control: KRETUS Nanotube ESD systems are engineered to provide >104 to <106 ohms of resistance.
Available in Multiple Chemistries: KRETUS offers both Epoxy and Poly chemistries for their Nanotube ESD systems. Epoxy offers ease of installation, while Poly provides even better durability, wear resistance, and UV/color stability.

Conductive vs. Dissipative ESD Systems

KRETUS offers two primary categories of nanotube-enhanced ESD flooring systems, each designed to meet specific application requirements:

Conductive Systems

ESD Resistance: Lower resistance (typically >10^4 to <10^6 ohms).
Key Feature: Designed to rapidly dissipate static charges, providing a very fast path for electrical current to flow to ground.
Application: Ideal for environments with highly sensitive electronic components or where extremely rapid static dissipation is critical, such as:
- Electronics manufacturing facilities
- Cleanrooms with the most sensitive equipment
- Areas with a high risk of explosion from static discharge

Dissipative Systems

ESD Resistance: Higher resistance than conductive systems (typically >10^6 to <10^9 ohms).
Key Feature: Control the flow of static electricity at a slightly slower rate than conductive systems. This controlled dissipation is sufficient for many applications and can offer a balance of ESD protection and other performance characteristics.
Application: Suitable for a broader range of environments, including:
- General electronics assembly
- Healthcare facilities
- Telecommunications installations
- Areas with moderate ESD sensitivity

Comparison Table

Feature	Conductive Systems	Dissipative Systems
ESD Resistance	>10^4 to <10^6 ohms	>10^6 to <10^9 ohms
Static Dissipation	Rapid	Controlled
Application	Highly sensitive electronics, explosive environments	General electronics, healthcare, telecom
Advantages	Best ESD protection	Broader application range

Choosing the Right System

The choice between conductive and dissipative systems depends on a careful assessment of the specific needs of your environment. Consider these factors:

Sensitivity of Equipment: For the most sensitive electronic components, a conductive system is generally recommended.
Risk of Explosion: In areas where static discharge could ignite flammable materials, conductive flooring provides the highest level of protection.
Application Requirements: Dissipative systems offer a good balance of ESD protection and other properties, making them suitable for a wider range of applications.

KRETUS can help you evaluate your requirements and select the optimal nanotube ESD flooring system for your facility. Contact one of our product specialists for more information.