Monroe Electronics Electrostatic Fieldmeter - Static Monitor - model 177A - Manual (Page 56)

APNE-0015 55
Table IV-1 is a short triboelectric series that provides an indication of the order of some
common materials. The way to use a triboelectric series is to note the relative positions of
the two materials of interest. The material that charges positively will be the one that is
closer to the positive end of the series, and the material closer to the negative end will
charge negatively.
Asbestos most positive
Glass 
Nylon
Wool
Lead
Silk
Aluminum
Paper
Cotton
Steel
Hard rubber
Nickel & copper
Brass & silver
Synthetic rubber
Orlon
Saran
Polyethylene
Teflon 
Silicone rubber most negative
Table IV-1
Triboelectric Series
If only one surface has a significant electrical resistance while the other surface is a good
electrical conductor, most of the charges still will not be able to return to their original
surface. This again leaves an excess of positive charges on one surface and an excess of
negative charges on the other. Under this condition, however, the surface charges on the
conductor can freely move throughout the conductive body. Unless this charged conductive
body is able to obtain opposite polarity charges from ground to remain electrically neutral, it
is isolated (a charged capacitor) and can become a static spark hazard.