Understanding Static Electricity

All atoms, in an idle state, consist of protons that are positively charged and electrons that have negative charge. The positive charge is equal to the negative one. Therefore the total charge of the atom is neutral.

During the production or the process of the materials Static Electricity is created, because the atoms can lose or gain free electrons. If they lose free electrons then the material gets positive charge, if they gain free electrons then the material gets negative charge.

Transfer of electrons from one atom to another (from one material to another) occurs when two or more surfaces contact with one another and are separated again (splitting), when there is friction or pressure of the two materials. Static electricity is also created by induction or temperature difference.

Static electricity is invisible and the level of charge (the field strength) depends on the physical and electrical properties of the materials (in contact) and other conditions (temperature, humidity, pressure and speed of separation). It causes serious troubles to the production process which can include disruption of the process or even damages to high-tech electronic components.

Simco-Ion (Netherlands) is provides a wide range of products for measuring and eliminating static electricity. It also provides products that create static electricity for some applications in the production processes (static bonding, IML etc.). Simco-Ion is well experienced in static electricity problems since it has been providing solutions for the last 70 years.

For more information and new products you can also visit Simco’s site www.simco-ion.co.uk