Gas breakdown in contact electrification

Abstract

Electrification of various materials (silicon, epoxy resin and coal) by repeated contact with a metal plate has been investigated. The authors observed gas breakdown in a nitrogen atmosphere upon separation of the contact partners. The total amount of charge acquired by the surfaces on contact is reduced at higher gas pressures. The electrification curves oscillate with the number of contacts due to the gas discharges. The authors calculate the charge densities and electric fields and correlate the values with the breakdown limits. Tunnelling of electrons is suggested as a mechanism for the initiation of the gas breakdown. A description for the dynamic processes of contact electrification in connection with gas discharge is given.