The effect of particle size and relative humidity on triboelectric charge saturation
File(s)Cruise_2022_J._Phys._D__Appl._Phys._55_185306.pdf (1.82 MB)
Published version
Author(s)
Cruise, Reuben David
Hadler, Kathryn
Starr, Stanley O
Cilliers, Jan J
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Triboelectric charging is present in numerous technologies and everyday processes, providing both problems and opportunities. Despite this, there is no generalised model for the amount of charge that will build up on surfaces in contact. Here, we develop a new model for the saturation charge on triboelectrically charged spherical insulators, accounting for both equalisation of surface potentials and electrical breakdown of the surrounding medium. Experiments are conducted under controlled temperature and humidity using two independent methods, measuring the saturation charge on polymer spheres contacting grounded stainless steel. The results verify our equalisation of surface potentials model which describes how saturation charge density increases for smaller particle sizes. Key triboelectric properties are calculated: The estimated saturation charge on a flat surface and the equalisation potential between different materials, which can be used to predict charge saturation and quantify a triboelectric series. The transition radius below which electrical breakdown will cause saturation of charge is also calculated theoretically. Limitations to the model are demonstrated experimentally. As particle size reduces, a point is reached at which the electrostatic adhesion of particles to the grounded charging surface prevents further charge build-up. Furthermore, it is found that the saturation charge for smaller particles in humid conditions is greatly reduced. These calculations, and the demonstrated procedure, can serve as a tool for the design of technologies and processes influenced by triboelectric charge build-up, including triboelectric nanogenerators and electrostatic mineral separators.
Date Issued
2022-01-31
Date Acceptance
2022-01-31
Citation
Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics, 2022, 55 (18), pp.1-14
ISSN
0022-3727
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Start Page
1
End Page
14
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
Volume
55
Issue
18
Copyright Statement
© 2022 The Author(s). Published by IOP Publishing Ltd. Original content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
License URL
Sponsor
European Space Agency / Estec
Identifier
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-6463/ac5081
Grant Number
4000129650/19/NL/MH/ac
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Physics, Applied
Physics
triboelectric effect
contact charging
humidity
particle size
ELECTROSTATIC BENEFICIATION
CONTACT ELECTRIFICATION
ELECTRIC-FIELD
SURFACE
DUST
POWDER
COAL
SEPARATION
DYNAMICS
DEVICE
02 Physical Sciences
09 Engineering
Applied Physics
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2022-01-31