Triboelectric series and electrostatic separation of some biopolymers

Results of examination of order of positions in the triboelectric series of three biodegradable polymers, i.e., polylactide (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(3-hydroxybuterate-co-hydroksyvalerate) (PHBV) are presented. Results of electrostatic separation of binary mixtures of these polymers are also shown. The following order in the triboelectric series was found: (+)PHBV, PCL, PLA(−). Positions of these biopolymers in relation to some synthetic polymers were also determined. These results were confirmed by the results of measurements of dielectric constants of PLA, PCL and PHBV. The process of the electrostatic separation of the PLA/PCL mixture appeared to be entirely successful.