Static Electrification

Abstract

Static electrification ‐ also known as triboelectricy or triboelectric charging ‐ refers to the development of a net electrical charge by the relative motion between two dissimilar materials through friction. Several industries involved with the transport or flow of semi‐insulating liquids have had to cope with the problems and hazards posed by flow electrification. Other industries such as electrostatic printing, mining (various ore‐separation processes), mineral oil purification, microelectronics, and air cleaning/filtration systems also use static electricity and are affected by gas‐solid, solid‐solid and liquid solid static electrification. In this article we begin with a review of the process of electrification driven by the relative motion of two different materials at solid‐solid and gas‐solid interfaces. Then we focus on a particular system where a solid material is stationary and an adjacent liquid dielectric is moving at the interface with the first material. Finally, standard test methods, critical factors and mitigation techniques involved in industrial applications are reviewed.