LAUSR

Abstract In this paper, an experimental study and analysis of the effects of environmental relative humidity (RH %) on the transport mechanisms of electrical charges in 50 μm thick Kapton HN polyimide (PI) films have been presented. The evolution of the surface potential decay with time after negative corona charge deposition have been investigated and analyzed by examining the t d V / d t characteristics to straightly obtain information about trap energy distribution in PI films for different relative humidity levels (35, 50, 70 and 90%). The calculating method of trap energy distribution is based on the double exponential fitting analysis of surface potential decay measurements. Two peaks were observed in the trap charge density distribution curve with trap levels, which is agreed with the presence of the shallow and deep traps. The results indicate that for different charging voltage levels, the surface potential decays faster in humid air (RH = 90%) than in relatively dry ones (RH = 35%). The recorded corona charging current confirms the interpretation of surface potential decay measurements. In addition, the density and depths of both shallow and deep traps change with charging voltage and relative humidity levels. Both shallow and deep trap distribution moves towards lower energy levels, indicating an increase in the film's electrical conductivity.