Triboelectrisk

Triboelectrisk is a term used to describe hazards and safety challenges associated with triboelectric charging—the build-up of static electricity due to contact and separation of materials—and the risks arising from electrostatic discharge in industrial, commercial, and consumer contexts. It encompasses risks from static electricity and the broader control of charge generation.

Triboelectric charging occurs when two materials with different electron affinities touch and separate, transferring electrons. Insulating materials can accumulate charge on surfaces; charges can migrate and discharge through air or surfaces, generating sparks or surface currents that can affect equipment.

Hazards and risk domains include ignition risk in flammable or dust-laden environments; damage to electronics; disruption of manufacturing processes; contamination; and operator shocks.

Influencing factors and measurement involve material pairings (triboelectric series), surface roughness, contaminants, humidity, temperature, geometry and contact force. Measurement methods include static charge measurements, decay time tests, and electrostatic discharge (ESD) susceptibility tests.

Mitigation and controls focus on grounding and bonding; use of conductive or dissipative materials; anti-static flooring; humidity control; ionization where appropriate; isolation of ignition sources; and process redesign to minimize contact between dissimilar materials, along with training and written procedures.

Applications and standards cover areas such as manufacturing, packaging, painting, and powder handling. Standards for ESD control, such as the IEC 61340 series, guide performance requirements. Related research includes triboelectric energy harvesting (TENG) technologies, which aim to convert charge generation into usable power and are separate from risk management.