Abstract
Excess electrostatic charge induction on paper under an electrostatic potential, at different relative humidity (RH) values, was measured using a Kelvin electrostatic voltmeter set-up. Results show that samples under a positive potential accumulate excess negative charges, which are dissipated when the potential is brought down to zero. Rates of charge accumulation and dissipation over the samples are equal under constant RH and both rates decrease markedly at lower RH values. These results are interpreted using a new model for the electrification of insulators, based on the effect of the electric potential on the electrochemical potential (µi=µi° + RTln a + zFV) of H(H2O)n+ and OH(H2O)n- ions within water adsorbed on insulators. Rates of paper electrification and re-neutralization are thus strongly dependent on the amount of water in the atmosphere. This model explains the experimental results presented in this work and also a number of hitherto unexplained reports on electrostatic phenomena.
Highlights
Electrostatic induction phenomena have been studied for centuries and results are consolidated e.g. in Maxwell’s Treatise.[1]
A recent report[13] describes the effect of water adsorption on polymer contact charging but it is interpreted as a modifying factor in the electron-pair donor-acceptor interactions that these authors hold responsible for contact charging
The results are presented as the potential measured by the Kelvin probe vs. time, for different numbers of sheets of paper and distinct relative humidity (RH) values
Summary
Electrostatic induction phenomena have been studied for centuries and results are consolidated e.g. in Maxwell’s Treatise.[1]. Insulator electrostatic charging is hardly reproducible or predictable[2] and this is related to the current lack of agreement on the nature of charge carriers in electrified insulators, as observed by many authors. A recent paper by Hogue et al.[10] describes the influence of atmospheric pressure on insulator-insulator contact charging and it presents an ion transfer mechanism for the charge exchange process. Folan et al.[12] did not find an effect of atmospheric water on the charge of a polymer particle contacting nickel. A recent report[13] describes the effect of water adsorption on polymer contact charging but it is interpreted as a modifying factor in the electron-pair donor-acceptor interactions that these authors hold responsible for contact charging
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