Charging of Solids and Powders

Abstract The electrostatic charging of materials such as webs, films and powders due to contact and triboelectric phenomena is reviewed. Some of the problems that may arise in industry due to material charging are discussed. Particular operations such as charging of webs moving over rollers, pneumatic transfer of powder along pipes and into a silo, and the charging of single polymer particles impacting onto a metal surface are reviewed. Some of the problems that arise due to charge accumulation on the surface of materials are considered. Powder flow may be affected and electrical discharges which cause fires and explosions are examples of some of these problems.