Measurements and factorial analysis of micron-sized particle adhesion force to indoor flooring materials by electrostatic detachment method

Airborne concentration of micron-sized particulate matter (PM) is an important index of indoor air quality. While human activity is considered the main reason causing indoor particle resuspension, theoretical particle adhesion force models give predictions of adhesion force much larger than the disturbance forces introduced by human activity. This work suggests that the imperfect contact between particles and surfaces can greatly reduce the adhesion bond. Electrostatic detachment method is used to measure the actual adhesion force distribution of micron-sized particles to such common indoor flooring materials as vinyl and rubber. Comparisons are made between the theoretical predictions and experimental measurements. Factorial experiments are also designed to study the influence of particle type, flooring type and contact time on particle adhesion force.