How can I transfer a charge to paper coated with zinc oxide?

Details

I am experimenting with a makeshift copier similar to the one invented by Chester Carlson. Familiar? He used a zinc plate coated with sulphur, rubbed it with a soft cloth to create a static charge, and held it, along with an inked glass slide, under light to transfer a negative charge through the clear (un-inked) areas. Then a substance similar to a toner was sprinkled on, clinging only to the negatively charged parts. The first photocopy.

In my version I want to use a page coated with zinc oxide. I am experimenting with sunscreen, which contains ZnO, as well as a ZnO mixture of my own. I know that early copiers used paper that was coated with zinc oxide. HOWEVER, I cannot get mine to hold a static charge using the rubbing method. I don't want to use a corona wire (used in professional copiers and laser printers) because it is too costly and difficult to set up.

Any suggestions on how I can easily get my ZnO paper to hold a charge?

Stats

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.