Dyed Sulfonated Polystyrene Films: Relationship of Triboelectric Charging & Molecular Orbital Energy Levels

Triboelectrification, the process by which two bodies in contact with each other become equally and oppositely charged, has been known since at least 600 BC.1 The phenomenon plays a central role in electrical storms.2 It leads to the release of spark discharges that cause explosions in fuel pipelines and storage tanks.3 Triboelectric charging also provides many useful processes such as electrostatic separation of materials,4,5 electrostatic paint application6 and self-clinging wrapping materials. It plays a role in adhesion as well.7 Xerography8 is, in terms of sales dollars, perhaps the largest useful application of triboelectric charging.