Is Kapton tape ESD safe

• ESD-safe materials are primarily used to prevent the generation, buildup, and discharge of static electricity from damaging electronic components. ESD-safe materials are typically materials that conduct or dissipate static electricity, with surface resistivities typically in the range of 10^4 - 10^11 ohms/square. Kapton tape, as an insulator, has a surface resistivity well outside of this range and cannot effectively conduct or dissipate static electricity. Therefore, Kapton tape alone does not provide ESD protection in electronic assemblies with ESD requirements, or in environments where static-sensitive components are operated.

Kapton tape can also be used to some extent in conjunction with other ESD protection measures if there is a need for ESD protection in certain applications that utilize Kapton tape's properties of high temperature resistance, insulation, etc., and other complementary ESD protection measures can be taken. This does not mean that Kapton tape is inherently ESD safe.

Of course, Kapton tape can be made antistatic with some special treatments.

1. A common method is to add conductive fillers to the fabrication of polyimide (Kapton) tapes. For example, carbon black, metal powders (e.g. silver, copper) or conductive fibers can be added. These conductive fillers create conductive pathways within the tape.
2. A conductive coating can be applied to the surface of Kapton tape. For example, a coating containing a conductive polymer such as polyaniline.
3. Laminating Kapton tape with other antistatic materials is also possible. For example, an antistatic film or fabric is laminated to one or both sides of the polyimide film. These antistatic films or fabrics inherently have a low surface resistivity and are effective in dissipating static electricity. By laminating, the Kapton tape retains its advantages (e.g., high temperature resistance) while also being antistatic.