Measuring electrostatic properties of fibrous materials: A review and a modified surface potential decay technique

Electrostatic charging of fibrous materials are of concern for the performance of electret filters and comfort issues of textiles. However there is a huge controversy in the characterization techniques of ion beam irradiated or corona charged fibrous materials. In this study we reported a reliable, simple surface potential measurement method. Large variations in potential measurements were found to be mostly due to structural nonuniformity such as packing density, thickness and fiber-fiber proximity. Test samples were prepared after optimizing those parameters and we were able to reduce coefficient of variation below 15%. Methods that were developed so far were also reviewed.