PSA D45 5210 Plastics - Measurement of Electrostatic Charge Distribution

The “PSA D45 5210 Plastics - Measurement of Electrostatic Charge Dissipation” standard, developed by the French car manufacturer PSA Group, now part of Stellantis, describes a test method for measuring the ability of a thermoplastic or heat-resistant material to dissipate accumulated electrostatic charges. The material's capacity to dissipate these charges makes it possible to assess its resistance to dust applications.

This test consists of determining the ability of a test specimen or part to dissipate electrostatic charges in ambient air by measuring the range remaining after a phase of artificial or natural exposure.

The equipment used in these tests includes:

• Test chamber: The temperature is controlled at 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees Celsius and the humidity at 50 percent plus/minus 10 percent.
• Sensitive thermometer
• Sensitive hygrometer
• Timer
• Electric field testing device: A device equipped with fittings that allow measurements to be taken from a distance of 2 cm from the sample. This distance must be strictly adhered to. The center-to-center distance between the fittings is 55 mm.
• Ionized air blower: The device's operating range includes a motor-driven fan with a rotational speed between 0 and 1300 rpm. Maximum inflated air flow at maximum power is 1400 m³.³The power, measured by the centers, is 3500 Volts per hour.
• Static electricity generator: Must be equipped with: an ECC 100 electrode with a minimum length of 400 mm, a metal electrode (copper) connected to ground, and an insulating pole (standard coated plastic) mounted on it. The generator's operating range is 0 to 40 kV and 0 to 2,5 my.
• Part post: Ensures discharge per part without having a positive or negative effect on the distribution of the fillers. It is made of dried wood or other insulating material and is isolated from the ionized airflow. The mechanism should make it possible to support the tested boards or parts while limiting the maximum contact surface with them.
• Containers made of cotton, or any other textile product that provides electrical neutrality to operators during testing.

Samples must be representative of the size to be characterized. To ensure this representativeness, it is necessary to know the basic characteristics of the population being studied. The sample selection criteria should be stated in the test report, the content of which is defined in the PSA A10 0156 standard. In case of doubt regarding the cutting procedure, the relevant PSA service should be contacted.

Samples to be tested may be vehicle parts, injection molds, or multiple whole parts. The grain size of the part must, in all cases, conform to the acceptable dimensions of the charging bench (electrode spacing and cylinder surface width). Test samples must be free of dust, scratches, or other surface defects that could impair the measurement. If necessary, they are degreased with compressed air. They must be pre-packaged in the test chamber for 16 hours before any measurement. Tests on cast parts are performed 7 to 28 days after injection. Measurements are taken on sample plates measuring 110 mm x 360 mm or standard plates measuring 90 mm x 165 mm.

The PSA D45 5210 standard defines a test method for measuring how quickly electrostatic charges dissipate from the surface of plastic materials used in vehicles. It belongs to the PSA D45 series of standards, which covers various tests for polymers, elastomers, textiles, and vehicle interior and exterior parts.

In automotive applications, plastic components (such as instrument panels, seats, door panels, trim pieces, or other interior and exterior parts) can accumulate static electricity due to friction, dry conditions, or passenger movement. This often leads to problems such as:

• Dust extraction (reduces perceived quality and cleanliness)
• Unpleasant static shocks for passengers.
• Potential interaction with electronic systems

This testing method evaluates the antistatic properties of materials by measuring the load distribution velocity. This helps ensure that the materials meet PSA's requirements in terms of comfort, durability, and aesthetics in passenger compartments.

Passing materials typically contain antistatic additives or conductive fillers to allow charges to seep into the ground more quickly.

In general, this method follows these steps:

• A standardized sample (typically a standard roughness pad or a textured surface representing production parts) is electrostatically charged.
• The time required for the load to dissipate (degrade) is measured, typically down to a defined low level (e.g., within a specific number of minutes; a reference mentions evaluation after 15 minutes of dissipation).
• The test focuses on electrical measurements for plastics and relates to dust resistance as a function of electrostatic charge.

This standard is often referenced in broader PSA material classification documents such as “B62 0300 Thermoplastics, thermosets, thermoplastic elastomers and rubbers - Classification and Specification”. In these specifications, compliance with the PSA D45 5210 standard is a requirement or evaluation criterion for specific interior materials.

The PSA D45 5210 standard is one of many electrical and environmental tests, along with standards for color fastness, scratch resistance, heat aging, flammability, and mechanical properties. It is particularly important for interior trim and cabin equipment where passenger contact or visibility is high.

In short, the main objectives of the PSA D45 5210 standard are as follows:

• To measure the ability of plastic materials to dissipate electrostatic charges.
• To evaluate dust attraction behavior caused by static electricity.
• Ensuring that materials meet OEM requirements in terms of cleanliness and aesthetic durability.

Electrostatic charge buildup can cause surfaces to attract dust and particles, which is particularly problematic in the following areas:

• Interior trim components
• Instrument panel and display areas
• Electronic enclosures
• Painted or coated plastic parts

This standard applies primarily to:

• Thermoplastics and thermosets used in vehicles.
• Internal and external plastic components
• Coated or untreated polymer surfaces

This is especially important for parts exposed to the following areas:

• Airflow (HVAC vents, instrument panels)
• Human interaction (touch surfaces)
• Dry environments where static charge accumulation is common.

The PSA D45 5210 standard evaluates how quickly and effectively a material can dissipate an electrostatic charge after being exposed to it. The faster the charge dissipates, the lower its tendency to attract dust.

Typical parameters evaluated include:

• Surface potential (voltage)
• Load reduction period
• Electrical resistance (surface or volume)
• Environmental conditions (humidity, temperature)

Humidity is particularly critical because dry air increases static electricity buildup.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced team, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the PSA D45 5210 standard.