Optimization of the Active Neutralization of Polypropylene Film Using Response Surface Methodology

In roll-to-roll manufacturing of products, such as thin films, fibers, textiles, or membranes, the generation and accumulation of electric charges by the triboelectric effect represents a major source of electrostatic hazards. The best solution to this problem is to eliminate these charges. The aim of this article is to pave the way to the use of a triode-type corona electrode system at an industrial frequency (50 Hz) for active neutralization of electrically charged insulating films. The experimental study was carried out on dc corona charged polypropylene films that were neutralized by a sinusoidal corona discharge. The neutralization efficiency was evaluated by noncontact measurement of the electric potential at the surface of charged and neutralized polypropylene film samples. The response surface methodology was used for quantifying the effects of the various influential factors (i.e., voltage amplitude, duration of exposure to the discharge, and relative position of the neutralizer with respect to the sample) and optimizing the neutralization process.