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We are working with small calcium carbonate particles (microfossils) but one of the problems is they stick to the plastic or metal tools we are using, presumably due to static charge. For example, small particles on plastic tray will stick to the surface even if it is upside down.

  • I'm guessing the static potential is related to how much calcium carbonate wants to gain or give away electrons?
  • What is this called in this context?
  • How do I choose a material that has a low potential for static electricity (i.e. sticking) with calcium carbonate particles?
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First of al, it is atoms "gaining of giving away ELECTRONS" (not 'electronics').

Secondly, a metal surface can be grounded, and electrons move FREELY on metal surfaces. So metals are less affected by static-charge build-up (through friction) than plastics, especially if the metal is 'grounded'.

Tertio, it are 'adhesion' & 'cohesion' forces that keep the fine Calcium-Carbonate dust particles sticked to plastic as well as to metal surfaces.

That's why we use blackboards and chalk, in class.

The chalk (from the chalk-stick) sticks to itself (cohesion), and finally sticks to the blackboard (adhesion).

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The lesson about cohesion & adhesion should be one of the first lessons in Chemistry..

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Some links of a commercial equipment to avoid problems of static electricity in powders during weighing:

https://www.mt.com/us/en/home/products/Laboratory_Weighing_Solutions/Accessories/anti_static_devices.html

http://lab.mt.com/antistatic/

https://www.mt.com/dam/mt_ext_files/Editorial/Generic/6/Anti-static_0x000246700004f0770006d93b_files/ion_e.pdf

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    $\begingroup$ Hi, answers that contain barely more than links are discouraged, and might get removed. $\endgroup$
    – M.A.R.
    Commented Mar 15, 2018 at 16:30
  • $\begingroup$ Markos, can you explain how these products will help and simply use the links as a way to access further information. Also, if you are affiliated with the company, please disclose that. $\endgroup$
    – jonsca
    Commented Mar 15, 2018 at 22:44
  • $\begingroup$ My intention was to help by giving some reference. I received a flyer of this company some time ago and I remembered about this product when I read the question. I also had this type of problem in laboratory when weighing organic fine powders (pigments). I don't work for this company so I don't know the working principle of this device. I suggest to ask the manufacturer or other supplier about about the operating principle of the equipment. $\endgroup$
    – Markos
    Commented Mar 19, 2018 at 13:52

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