Electric potential decay on polyethylene: Role of atmospheric water on electric charge build-up and dissipation

• DOI: 10.1016/j.elstat.2011.05.005
• Publication Date: 2011-06-13T05:16:04Z
• Authors: Thiago Augusto de...; Camila Alves Rezende; Sérgio Bertazzo; André Galembeck; Fernando Galembeck
• Keywords: Low-density polyethylene; Corona (planetary geology); Streaming current

Abstract Electrostatic potential decay on corona-charged low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was recorded as a function of position and time, using a macroscopic scanning electrode and also Kelvin force microscopy. Potential decays independently in adjacent sample areas until reaching equilibrium at negative values (4.6 ± 0.7 V), irrespective of the initial potential signal. Other observations already described in literature were confirmed: negative potential decays slower than positive potential and the relative humidity has a large effect on the dissipation rates. These results are discussed considering ion exchange associated to adsorption and desorption of water clusters at the solid–gas interface.