Dynamic charge transfer between polyester and conductive fibres by Kelvin probe force microscopy

Abstract Charge transfer processes between polyester and conductive fibre surfaces is studied using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). Three model systems are considered: a single isolated insulating polyester fibre, two conductive stainless steel fibres in galvanic or non-galvanic contact and an insulating polyester fibre in galvanic contact with a conductive stainless steel fibre. For first and third configurations, a two-stage process with two different time constants is observed corresponding to two mechanisms responsible for the charge transfer. For the second configuration, a single-stage process is observed. The presence of the conductive fibre facilitates the charge transfer on the insulating fibre.