A Critical Review on Recent Progress in Anti-Static Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite is a new-age material used in various structural, construction, automotive, aerospace, railway, defense, and industrial applications because of its several benefits over metals. However, due to very high surface resistivity (> 1 × 1012 Ω/sq.2), static charge generation during their use remained accumulated on the material and causes various undesirable static incidents like electric shock and fire or explosion in presence of flammable substances. Static charge and its repercussions become a major concern for both our daily life and various industrial applications. Improper handling of it might result in significant loss of life and property. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the generation of this static charge and its dissipation in FRP composites. Surface resistivity (SR), volume resistivity (VR), and electrical conductivity (σ) are the three key properties that define the anti-static performance of a material. This review enumerates comprehensively the static charge generation and dissipation mechanisms, anti-static FRP composite preparation techniques, different strategies utilized to achieve anti-static property in FRP composites, factors influence the performance of anti-static FRP composites, essential properties, and applications of anti-static FRP. Finally, a summary, challenges and future perspectives have been elaborated.