Static charge accumulation testing service

Static Charge Accumulation Testing Service – Comprehensive Evaluation of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Risk and Charge Dissipation Performance for Materials, Components and Finished Products

As an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited independent testing laboratory, we offer specialised static charge accumulation testing services to manufacturers, engineering contractors, and quality assurance teams across the electronics, automotive, aerospace, medical device, packaging, and industrial equipment sectors. Static charge accumulation – the build‑up of electrical charge on the surface of a material or component – is a critical safety and performance concern in a wide range of applications, from semiconductor manufacturing and electronic assembly to fuel handling, pharmaceutical processing, and explosive environments. Uncontrolled static charge can lead to electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to sensitive electronic components, ignition of flammable gases or dust, and contamination from particulate attraction. Our test protocols measure the static charge generation, charge decay time, surface resistivity, and volume resistivity of materials, components, and finished products under controlled environmental conditions. All methods are aligned with IEC, ANSI/ESD, ASTM, and GB/T standards, including IEC 61340‑2‑1 (Evaluation of electrostatic properties of materials), ANSI/ESD S20.20 (ESD control programme), ASTM D257 (DC resistance or conductance of insulating materials), IEC 61340‑4‑1 (Electrostatic properties of floor coverings), GB/T 1410 (Volume and surface resistivity), and GB/T 15463 (Electrostatic discharge testing). Our inspection and test reports are recognised by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and international certification bodies for product registration, type approval, and quality assurance.

Materials and Products We Regularly Test

Our static charge accumulation test facilities accommodate a wide range of material types, product forms, and finished assemblies. Typical test articles include:

Electronic packaging materials – anti‑static bags, conductive trays, ESD‑safe packaging, and moisture‑barrier bags
Flooring and flooring materials – conductive and dissipative flooring, ESD mats, floor tiles, and coatings
Workstation and handling materials – ESD‑safe workstations, grounding straps, wrist straps, and benchtop mats
Plastics and polymer materials – antistatic plastics, conductive plastics, and dissipative polymers for enclosures and components
Textiles, fabrics and clothing – anti‑static garments, cleanroom garments, and conductive textiles
Packaging and cushioning materials – foams, films, and cushioning materials for sensitive electronic components
Medical device and pharmaceutical packaging – for sterile packaging, blister packs, and fluid delivery systems
Automotive and aerospace components – interior trims, panels, and composite materials
Fuel handling and explosive environment equipment – for assessing the static charge risk in hazardous areas

Static Charge Generation Measurement – Assessing the Charge Accumulation Tendency

Charge generation by rubbing and friction (triboelectric charging) – IEC 61340‑2‑1 / ANSI/ESD STM 3.1 – We mount the test material on a rotating disc or a reciprocating sled and rub it against a standardised counter material (e.g., cotton, wool, PTFE, or a specified fabric). The charge generated is measured using a Faraday cup connected to an electrometer. The charge (in nC or µC) and the charge‑to‑mass ratio (in µC/m² or µC/g) are recorded. A high charge generation (> 0.5 µC/m²) indicates a high electrostatic risk for the material.
Charge generation by separation (peeling) – for films and tapes – IEC 61340‑2‑1 / ASTM D4470 – We peel a tape or film from a standard substrate (or from itself) at a specified speed and measure the charge generated using a Faraday cup or a charge plate. The peel‑charge (in nC or µC) and the charge density (in nC/m²) are recorded.
Charge generation by flow and transport – for liquids, powders and granular materials – IEC 61340‑2‑1 / ASTM D3487 – For liquids (fuels, solvents) and powders (pharmaceutical ingredients, food powders), we simulate the flow and transport processes (e.g., pumping, pouring, pneumatic conveying) and measure the charge generated using a Faraday cup or a charge meter. The charge (in µC) and the charge‑to‑mass ratio (in µC/kg) are recorded.
Charge generation under different environmental conditions – for assessing the effect of humidity and temperature – We perform the charge generation tests at different humidity levels (e.g., 10 % RH, 50 % RH, 90 % RH) and at different temperatures (e.g., 20 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C) to assess the effect of environmental conditions on the static charge generation.

Charge Decay and Dissipation Testing – Assessing the Ability to Discharge Static Charge

Charge decay time (dissipation time) – IEC 61340‑2‑1 / ANSI/ESD STM 3.1 – We charge the test specimen (using a corona discharge or a contact charge) to a specified voltage (typically 500 V or 1 000 V) and then measure the time (in seconds) for the voltage to decay to a specified level (e.g., 10 % of the initial voltage). The charge decay time is a measure of the material's ability to dissipate static charge. A short decay time (< 1 second) indicates a conductive or dissipative material; a long decay time (> 10 seconds) indicates an insulating material.
Charge decay measurement with a charge plate monitor – ANSI/ESD S4.1 – We use a charge plate monitor (a small metal plate with a high‑input‑impedance electrometer) to measure the charge decay time of a material. The specimen is placed on the charge plate, charged to a specified voltage, and the voltage decay is monitored. The decay time is recorded from the voltage‑time curve.
Surface resistivity and volume resistivity – ASTM D257 / IEC 60093 / GB/T 1410 – for assessing the intrinsic conductivity and dissipation capability – We measure the surface resistivity (in Ω/sq) and volume resistivity (in Ω·cm) of the material using guarded electrode systems and a high‑resistance meter. The resistivity values are correlated with the charge decay time. A material with a surface resistivity of < 10⁵ Ω/sq is considered conductive; 10⁵‑10⁹ Ω/sq is dissipative; > 10⁹ Ω/sq is insulating.
Charge decay under different humidity and temperature conditions – for assessing the environmental sensitivity – We perform the charge decay test at different humidity levels (e.g., 10 %, 50 %, 90 % RH) and at different temperatures (e.g., 20 °C, 40 °C, 60 °C) to assess the effect of environmental conditions on the charge decay time.

ESD Susceptibility and Resistance Testing – Assessing the Risk of Electrostatic Discharge

Human body model (HBM) ESD testing – ANSI/ESDA JEDEC JS‑001 / IEC 61340‑3‑1 / GB/T 17626.2 – We simulate the electrostatic discharge (ESD) from a human body by applying a specified voltage pulse (up to ±8 kV) to the test device (or material) through a 100 pF capacitor and a 1.5 kΩ resistor. The device is tested for functional failure and for damage. The test is used for ESD susceptibility classification (e.g., Class 0, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3).
Machine model (MM) ESD testing – ANSI/ESDA JEDEC JS‑002 / IEC 61340‑3‑1 – We simulate the ESD from a charged machine or a tool by applying a voltage pulse through a 200 pF capacitor and a 0 Ω resistor. The device is tested for functional failure and for damage. The test is used for ESD susceptibility classification.
Charged device model (CDM) ESD testing – ANSI/ESDA JEDEC JS‑002 – We simulate the ESD from a charged device itself by charging the device to a specified voltage (up to ±2 kV) and then discharging it through a ground plane. The device is tested for functional failure and for damage.
Non‑contact ESD testing – for assessing the ESD risk in assembly and handling operations – We use a non‑contact electrostatic field meter to measure the electrostatic field (in V/m) generated by a charged component or a material. The field strength is correlated with the ESD risk.
ESD sensitivity classification – for electronic components and assemblies – Based on the HBM, MM, and CDM test results, we classify the device (or material) into an ESD sensitivity class (e.g., Class 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3). The classification is used for ESD control programme implementation.

Electrostatic Attraction and Particle Contamination Testing – Assessing the Risk of Particulate Attraction

Particle attraction test – for assessing the tendency of charged materials to attract particles – We charge the test specimen and then expose it to a controlled particle aerosol (e.g., ISO 12103‑1 test dust, or standardised polymeric particles). The number of particles attracted to the surface (per unit area) is counted using an optical microscope or a particle counter. A high particle density (> 1 000 particles/cm²) indicates a high attraction risk.
Particle contamination test – for cleanroom and pharmaceutical applications – For materials used in cleanroom environments, we assess the particle contamination (the number of particles > 0.5 µm that are released by the material) using a particle counter. The test is performed under controlled cleanroom conditions (ISO Class 5 or better).
Electrostatic attraction test for powders and granules – for assessing the handling and processing risk – We assess the tendency of powders and granules to agglomerate or to adhere to processing equipment due to electrostatic charge. The test is performed using a fluidised bed or a rotating drum, and the degree of agglomeration is measured.

Environmental and Durability Testing – Simulating Service Conditions

Temperature‑conditioned static charge testing – for assessing the effect of temperature on the static charge behaviour – We perform the static charge generation, charge decay, and resistivity tests at elevated temperatures (e.g., 60 °C, 85 °C, 150 °C) and at reduced temperatures (e.g., -20 °C, -40 °C) using a temperature‑controlled chamber. The test assesses the effect of temperature on the charge accumulation and dissipation.
Humidity‑conditioned static charge testing – for assessing the effect of humidity on the static charge behaviour – We perform the static charge tests at different humidity levels (e.g., 10 % RH, 50 % RH, 90 % RH) using a humidity‑controlled chamber. The test assesses the effect of humidity on the charge generation, charge decay, and resistivity. A significant change in the static charge behaviour (> 50 %) between low and high humidity indicates a high environmental sensitivity.
Ageing and durability testing – for assessing the long‑term stability of anti‑static properties – We subject the test material to accelerated ageing (e.g., 7‑28 days at 70 °C, 95 % RH) and then repeat the static charge generation, charge decay, and resistivity tests. The test assesses the long‑term stability of the anti‑static properties.
Salt spray and corrosion testing – ASTM B117 / ISO 9227 / GB/T 10125 – For materials used in corrosive environments, we perform salt spray testing (5 % NaCl, 35 °C) for 240‑500 hours and then repeat the static charge tests. The test assesses the effect of corrosion on the static charge behaviour.

Regulatory Compliance and Product Certification – Supporting Industry Standards and ESD Control Programmes

Our static charge accumulation testing services are performed in accordance with the most widely used international and national standards. The most commonly requested include:

IEC 61340‑2‑1 – Evaluation of electrostatic properties of materials – the primary standard for static charge testing
ANSI/ESD S20.20 – Protection of electrical and electronic parts, assemblies and equipment – the North American standard for ESD control programmes
ASTM D257 – Standard Test Methods for DC Resistance or Conductance of Insulating Materials – for resistivity measurement
IEC 61340‑4‑1 – Electrostatic properties of floor coverings – for flooring testing
ANSI/ESD S4.1 – Standard Test Method for the Protection of Electrostatic Discharge Susceptible Items – for charge dissipation testing
GB/T 1410 – Volume and surface resistivity of solid insulating materials – the Chinese national standard for resistivity
GB/T 15463 – Electrostatic discharge testing – the Chinese national standard for ESD testing
ANSI/ESDA JEDEC JS‑001 – Human Body Model (HBM) ESD testing – for HBM testing

Report Acceptance and Regulatory Recognition

All static charge accumulation tests are conducted under our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, using calibrated charge plates, electrometers, resistivity meters, and environmental chambers, all traceable to national and international reference standards. Our final test reports include: a complete description of the test article (material, dimensions, manufacturer), the test method and conditions (temperature, humidity, charge voltage, test duration), the measured parameters (charge generation, charge decay time, surface resistivity, volume resistivity, ESD susceptibility, particle attraction), a statistical summary (mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation), and a clear pass/fail verdict against your specified acceptance criteria. These reports are accepted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), and international certification bodies for product registration, type approval, and quality assurance. Bilingual (English/Chinese) versions are available to facilitate submissions to domestic and international authorities and to support your global market access.