Mechanical equilibrium of aggregates of dielectric spheres

TL;DR

This paper investigates how dielectric polarization enables aggregates of similarly charged dielectric spheres to stay together, challenging the assumption that like charges always repel, and explores implications for natural and industrial aggregation processes.

Contribution

It demonstrates that dielectric polarization can stabilize aggregates of same-sign charged particles, providing new insights into electrostatic aggregation mechanisms.

Findings

Dielectric polarization allows same-sign charged particles to aggregate.

Aggregate size influences electrostatic stability.

Implications for natural and industrial aggregation processes.

Abstract

Industrial as well as natural aggregation of fine particles is believed to be associated with electrostatics. Yet like charges repel, so it is unclear how similarly treated particles aggregate. To resolve this apparent contradiction, we analyze conditions necessary to hold aggregates together with electrostatic forces. We find that aggregates of particles charged with the same sign can be held together due to dielectric polarization, we evaluate the effect of aggregate size, and we briefly summarize consequences for practical aggregation.