An alternative approach for charge decay measurement to assess the suitability of materials

• Charge decay measurement assessed using induction electric field observations.
• Comparison made between induction, tribo and corona charge decay.
• Differences between the measurement results warrants further investigation.
• Induction charge decay instrumentation is simpler than for corona charge decay.

A method of charge decay testing is proposed in which a localized electric field is applied by a fieldmeter to an area of the material to be tested. The variation of electric field is recorded as charge migrates across the surface. Arrangements are described for this method of testing and studies reported comparing results with corona and tribocharge decay measurements. Interesting differences are shown between the methods of testing.Induction charge decay testing is not proposed as a replacement for corona or tribocharge decay testing. It offers the opportunity for simpler instrumentation and measurement of faster charge decay times.