One-step measurements of powder resistivity as a function of relative humidity and its effect on charging

• Powder resistivity as a function of relative humidity has been studied.
• New technique allows rapid resistivity scanning across wide humidity range.
• Meaningful results obtained in two days instead of four weeks.
• Resistivity decreased exponentially as a function of humidity.
• Charging decreased significantly as a function of humidity.

A new one-step technique to measure the effect of ambient humidity on powder resistivity has been previously presented. In this article, we provide more experimental data obtained with five different powders. One-step measurements and traditional multi-step measurements were performed. Also, additional measurements were performed using standard resistivity cell. Results were compared and it could be concluded that the new technique provided meaningful results although significant hysteresis was observed during humidification and drying cycles. Finally, charging of the powder was also measured and it was noticed that it decreases with decreasing resistivity and increasing humidity.