Time and Size Correlations of Photon and Radiowave Bursts from Peeling Pressure Sensitive Adhesives in Air

Abstract

Abstract During separation in air of an adhesive from a polymer substrate we have observed intense bursts of photons (phE for photon emission) and long wavelength electromagnetic radiation (RE-for radiowave emission), similar to those reported earlier by Deryagin et al. In this paper we present detailed measurements of phE time distributions as well as time and size correlations between bursts of phE and RE. These results support the view that patches of electrical charge produced by charge separation between dissimilar materials lead to gaseous breakdown in and near the crack tip. We discuss the role of these discharges in producing sustained phE after the discharge has been extinguished.