Contact Electrification of Materials: The Chemistry of Ions on Polymer Surfaces

Abstract

This report summarizes some recent studies aimed at determining the role of ion transfer in contact charging in polymers. The studies were carried out using blends of polymers and ionomers or polymers and organic salts. These blends were charged by contacting with a metal surface and the contact charge which developed was related to the amount and structure of the ions in the polymer blend. A Kelvin Probe and an atomic Force Microbalance were used to determine the charge. A ion transfer model for contact charging was developed which relates the charge to the ions which are on the surface and are mobile, i.e. not covalently bonded or ion pair associated.