Experimental analysis of a new separation technique of aluminum/copper particles using a double-side electrostatic actuator

Abstract

This study investigates a novel double-side electrostatic actuator (DSEA) comprising a dielectric layer sandwiched between a copper mesh electrode (top) and a plate electrode (bottom). The DSEA was driven by a polyphase square wave voltage applied to each electrode through high voltage amplifiers. Experimental analysis, utilizing copper and aluminum particles and employing an aspirator above the DSEA, demonstrated an electro-adhesion force acting on both types of particles deposited on the top surface. This phenomenon, combined with the difference in particle mass, enabled high-purity separation of copper and aluminum particles with recovery rates exceeding 99 %.