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What types of ESD Foam does OSAAP offer?

Learn about the conductive and dissipative ESD foams at OSAAP. 

At OSAAP, we offer LD32NC ESD foam for when electrostatic reduction is a priority. We can also supply LD30SD on a case-by-case basis for when dissipative foams are required. Both options are closed cell, cross linked polyethylene foams (XLPE), which can be readily provided for any project.

LD32NC and LD30SD ESD Foam

LD32NC is a conductive foam with a Volumetric Resistivity of ~2 x 10^3 (2045 ohms per centimeter per the data sheet).

Conversely, LD30SD is a dissipative foam with a Surface Resistivity of 3 x 10^7 ohm/sq (or 30000000 ohms per square).

The chart below should help to illustrate where each material falls in respect to conductivity:

chart

But what is surface resistivity? And how does it differ from the similar sounding volume resistivity?

Surface resistivity is the electrical resistance of the surface of a material. Meanwhile, volume resistivity is the resistance to currents flowing throughout the entire volume of a material. Essentially think of the two as comparing electricity flowing through a 2D versus 3D space. In the case of LD32NC and LD30SD, the information is useful given their dissipative/conductive qualities.

Since LD30SD is a dissipative foam, and resists all electrical currents, only the surface resistance is generally needed. Meanwhile, LD32NC is a conductive material, thus currents are not resisted at the surface and flow through the entire volume.

But Why Conductive vs Dissipative?

Another common question is the use case between conductive and dissipative foam. Which material will best serve your anti-static needs?

Conductive foam is used in applications to redirect electrical currents away from your sensitive equipment. It is often more expensive than the alternatives, but holds up very well over time, is reusable, and isn’t affected by atmospheric conditions.

Dissipative foam is different. Instead, it carefully guides any electrical current from its surface to the ground. This slow transfer prevents any sudden electrostatic discharge, in turn protecting the enclosed equipment. It is also generally less expensive than its conductive counterpart.

Hopefully this brief guide can help you find the right material for your ESD shadow board needs.

The Data Sheets for both foams can be found here:

LD32NC

LD30SD

Have any more questions? Reach out to us here.