Static dissipative composition and process for static disspative coatings

Abstract

A U.V. curable composition for application to a substrate surface to provide a static dissipative coating which comprises a conductive matrix constituent having a crown type ligand selected from the group consisting of podands, coronands and cryptands in a guest/host relationship with a conductive dopant moiety. Such ligands included those provided by functionalized podands and functionalized coronands. The formulation further includes a polymer matrix constituent formed of a base oligomer system and a crosslinking agent which is reactive with the base oligomer system to form a crosslinked resin matrix which incorporates the conductive matrix constituent. A low viscosity diluent functions as a solvating liquid for the crosslinking agent and the base oligomer system. The formulation further includes a photoinitiator of the free radical or cationic type to initiate polymerization of the composition upon the application of electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. The low viscosity diluent liquid may be reactive with the base oligomer system and the crosslinking agent when it is cured under UV radiation. A specific conductive matrix constituent is an acrylated or unsubstituted coronand in a guest/host relationship with an alkali metal ion selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium and potassium. A method for treating a solid surface to produce a static dissipative surface by application of a clear liquid coating material comprising a conductive matrix constituent and a conductive dopant moiety and other components as described above. The coating liquid is applied to a substrate surface to provide a liquid film on the surface and is irradiated with ultraviolet radiation to effect crosslinking of the polymerizable matrix constituent to provide a cured transparent film having a surface resistivity of 10.sup.5 -10.sup.14 ohms per square.