Industrial applications of electrostatics:: the past, present and future

Although the scientific principles governing electrostatic forces have been known for many centuries the first successful industrial application did not occur until 1907. The development of two major present technologies, electrostatic precipitation and electrostatic coating is described and important features characteristic of each are identified. It is suggested that in the future a number of new industrial applications will come from developments in micro-electrical mechanical systems (MEMS), biotechnology, ultra fine particles and space.