Coloured anti static rubber for food contact

[Metten]

Hello,

I'm looking for ways to formulate a coloured anti static rubber compound which would be suitable for food contact (FDA of German BfR regulation).

The seperate parts are no problem, but I can't find a solution for the combination. (conductive carbon black isn't an option and the antistatic additives or plasticisers I find are not FDA conform.) Does anyone know of a way to achieve a anti static compound? I am probably missing something relatively simple.

 

[GrahamBennett]

Metten, you are not missing anything. Making a white or coloured antistatic compound will be very difficult if not impossible. (I'm willing to be shot down here guys!) What is your application? Conveyor belt?

 

[Metten]

It is indeed for a conveyor belt. It's a possible new customer who currently receives compound from an unknown competitor. (with (only) a written statement that the compounds are conform the rules)

 

[GrahamBennett]

The written statement is a legally binding document, so you will have no problems there.

White/coloured belts will probably contain silica amongst other fillers such as calcium carbonate. They will almost certainly also contain titanium dioxide. All of these together will cause static electricity to build up.

One physical means to eliminate this static build up is to use a comb mounted over the belt. This comb is made up of small brass chains mounted on a metal bracket, which is suitably grounded. The other end of the chain comb dangles over the belt so that they are in contact (to prevent arcing between the two).