Electrostatic Characteristics of Copper Wires Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Composites

This study investigates the electrostatic characteristics of copper wires reinforced epoxy matrix composites through the measurement of the electrostatic charge generated from sliding of the copper wires reinforced epoxy matrix composites against rubber sheet. Experimental Testing program was designed to quantify the electrostatic charge generated under different conditions of sliding and different design of copper wires reinforcement to the composite matrix. The sliding conditions consider clamping force and dry; water and detergent wetted sliding. The copper wires design parameters include the number of wires, location and wires diameter. Based on the experimental measured results, it can be concluded the electrostatic charge built up on the contact surface during the sliding of copper wires reinforced epoxy matrix composites significantly affected by the sliding condition and copper wired reinforcement design. The measured electric potential; voltage is significantly increased with the increase of clamping load. Also the measured voltage increased as the copper wires location gets closer to the contact surface. However the electrostatic charge displayed slightly lower values in the case of wetted sliding conditions compared to that of dry contact, while a drastic decrease in the voltage for the sliding condition with detergent on the contact surfaces.