How do I maximize residual static electricity.?

Question

if I have two objects A and B how can I maximize the static electricity that remains when they are separated. For example, should i pull it away fast, blow particle B over A in the form of dust.. etc..

The only restrictions are as follows:

- A must be a solid, B can be anything.

- A and B can be any material, though it would be preferable if A was an insulator so that the decay of static charge is low.

Answer 1

There are 2 ways:

You already have one of them -- to pull A and B away from each other very fast.  In other words maximize friction between objects A and B.

The other way to maximize static is to use objects that are as far apart on the triboelectric series as possible.

Here is a table of objects and how they line up in the triboelectric series:

http://www.siliconfareast.com/tribo_seri...

So... air blowing across teflon or silicone rubber would impart the greatest static charge on the teflon or silicone rubber.

Blowing compressed air very fast on a cooking pot coated with teflon would give you a huge static charge on the pot.

There is a 3rd way, and that has to do with the shape of the objects.  Using so-called 'minimum' volumes, without any sharp edges will allow the storage of even more charge.  A smooth sphere is the best of these 'minimum' volumes.  

So, if you have a teflon sphere and blow air across it very rapidly  you will accumulate the maximum possible static charge.

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Answer 2

As to another question .... I don't have any background or experience in this field, but would guess from the sound of your explanation that solar power, or wind power, would be good examples of maximizing residual static electricity .... both forms produce electricity in an immediate context, but both are also designed to draw that which is not used or in use to a separate 'container' (for want of a better word) where it can be stored and used as required or support another system.... I would suggest you have a look at how these two technologies relate and operate to help give you a better idea of how you want to answer your question.....

:)