Static Electrification of Filaments Theoretical Aspects1

Abstract

A theoretical model based on the band structure of the solid state is proposed in order to describe the transfer of charge when two solids are rubbed together. Only the struc ture in the interior is considered, the interpenetration of the bodies being supposed deep enough that the effects of foreign surface layers and of surface states are slight. The theory is applied to data on static electrification of filaments rubbed together under con trolled ambient and mechanical conditions. The theory provides a semiquantitative de scription of most of the observed phenomena.