The triboelectric series is a list of materials that tells which have a
positive charge, and which have a
negative charge. When you create any sort of
friction between two of these substances,
electrostatic energy builds up. This may cause an
electrostatic discharge, or
ESD.
Air Most Positive
Human Hands
Asbestos
Rabbit Fur
Glass
Mica
Human Hair
Nylon
Wool
Fur
Lead
Silk
Aluminum
Paper
Cotton Neutral – sort of
Steel
Wood
Amber
Sealing Wax
Hard Rubber
Nickel/Copper
Brass/Silver
Gold/Platinum
Sulfur
Acetate/Rayon
Polyester
Celluloid
Orlon
Saran
Polyurethane
Polyethylene
Polypropylene
PVC/Vinyl
KEL-F(CTFE)
Teflon
Silicon Most Negative
So, if you have say... dress shoes on, and you walk across a wool carpet, you've built up a charge. Touch a doorknob, and... *ZAP!*
I'd like to point out that yes, this is mostly cut and paste. On the other hand, it's somewhat necessary to the understanding of my ESD node. And either way, it's cool!