Influence of relative humidity on the electrostatic charging of lactose powder mixed with salbutamol sulphate

In this study, electrostatic charging of lactose and its mixtures with salbutamol sulphate (SS) were studied as a function of relative humidity (RH). Powder adhesion onto a steel pipe surface was also investigated. The powders were charged by sliding in a steel pipe. Increase in RH decreased the charging of lactose and mixtures, but the effect on SS was not evident. Furthermore, the charge of the mixtures reversed from negative to positive as RH was increased and remained positive as the samples were again dried. Humidification also changed the adhesion behavior of the mixtures onto the pipe surface.