Deliquescence as the mechanism for strong dust adhesion

Abstract

We have used a fine-scale probe to explore large-area substrates systematically and to determine the strength of adherence of dust particles. A small fraction of the particles becomes strongly adherent as a result of cycling the relative humidity above and below 80%. These particles are responsible for wear and malfunction in fine mechanical systems. We show that the mechanism by which most of these particles are cemented to the substrate involves solution and redeposition of water soluble salts.