2026 Electrostatics Society of America Annual Meeting

ESD in Space: What Changes When You Leave Earth?

Space Suit Triboelectrification & Static Decay: Materials, Mechanisms, and Risk

Electrostatic Charging Risks in Polymer Containers: Induced Charging, Handling, and Discharge Hazards

Static Control in Explosive Manufacturing: Process Aids, Fixtures, and Tooling as Hidden Risk Drivers

Shock in the Shower: Everyday Electrostatics Causing Repeated Shocks & Fires

Industry Standards – What is Working and What Is Not – Status of Standards Activities in Electrostatic Control

Chuck McClain, Axiom Space

Chuck McClain, Axiom Space

David E. Swenson, Affinity Static Control Consulting

Jay Skolnik, Skolnik Technical Training Institute

David E. Swenson, Affinity Static Control Consulting

Carl Newberg, Simco-Ion

Abstract:
Space environments change the fundamentals of electrostatic risk: low humidity, vacuum effects, high radiation, and unique material constraints can amplify triboelectrification and make charge dissipation unpredictable. This talk provides a practical overview of what actually changes in electrostatic charging and discharge behavior when moving from Earth-based facilities to spacecraft interiors, launch vehicles, and space hardware handling. The session includes key risk modes (induced charging, dielectric charging, isolated conductors, discharge paths), the kinds of controls that still work, and the gaps where terrestrial ESD assumptions fail. A strong fit for attendees interested in “space ESD” without requiring proprietary project details.

Abstract:
Space suits introduce a challenging electrostatic problem: layered polymer fabrics, embedded conductive paths, mechanical motion, and a tightly controlled micro-environment that may prevent natural charge decay. This talk explores triboelectrification mechanisms and static decay considerations for space suit materials, focusing on how motion, contact separation, pressure changes, and material pairing influence charge buildup. The discussion highlights measurement approaches (surface resistivity, decay time, and charge generation tests), risk scenarios, and control strategies that could be applied early in design. The session can be tailored to avoid proprietary details while still delivering a compelling “space materials” electrostatic case study.

Abstract:
Polymer containers and bottles can accumulate electrostatic charge through routine handling, flow, and contact with fixtures — creating discharge risks that are often underestimated. This talk explains the charging mechanisms in polymer containers, including direct tribocharging, induced charging, and charge retention, and connects them to real risk modes: spark discharge to nearby conductors, ignition hazards near flammables, and personnel exposure. The session also covers practical mitigation approaches: grounding strategies, packaging/handling controls, container material selection, and verification methods. This presentation is designed to bridge the gap between ESD practice and real manufacturing behavior in polymer-based handling systems.

Abstract:
Electrostatic hazards in explosive manufacturing aren’t limited to personnel and flooring systems — they often arise from overlooked process aids, fixtures, tools, and temporary setups that introduce isolated conductors and charge-generating contact points. This talk provides a structured way to identify and rank these risks, focusing on charge generation pathways, induced charging hazards, and the conditions that turn benign static into an ignition-capable discharge. Attendees will learn a practical evaluation workflow and control options (grounding, material constraints, workflow changes, verification methods). The goal is to improve risk visibility and reduce incidents tied to “non-obvious” electrostatic contributors.

Abstract:
Electrostatic charging is not confined to electronics and manufacturing — it can occur in everyday plumbing systems, especially in newer construction where plastic piping can isolate metal components such as shower heads. This talk examines four similar incidents involving shocks and fires tied to water flow charging, isolated conductors, and discharge paths. The session explains how water movement can create charge accumulation, how isolated shower heads may retain charge, and why certain configurations increase risk. The talk concludes with practical prevention strategies including bonding/grounding considerations, labeling and installation guidance, and awareness points for facilities and safety personnel.

Abstract:
Industry standards exist to assist users in resolving specific problems. They are used to provide a consistent solution, or a path to a solution. However standards also typically lag technology needs by years or decades. This talk will identify key industry standards used by electrostatic control practioners and how well they address  specific needs. Also addressed will be where current standards are either insufficient, or even conflict with one another to create confusion. A discussion on these topics and a call to address gaps will be identified.

Chuck McClain

Chuck McClain is the Owner and CEO of NorthWest Electrostatic Services LLC and a recognized leader in Electrostatic Factory Controls. With over 25 years of experience in the semiconductor and ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) controls manufacturing industries, Chuck has established himself as a foremost expert in electrostatic protection strategies and compliance.
During his tenure at one of the world’s largest memory manufacturers, Chuck was responsible for global ESD alignment, control system selection and implementation, workforce training, and advanced troubleshooting. He oversaw ESD programs across 200+ laboratories and high-volume manufacturing sites worldwide, ensuring compliance and process integrity in high-tech environments.
His expertise spans the setup and management of Electrostatic Protected Areas (EPAs), fostering an ESD-conscious culture, achieving ANSI/ESD S20.20 certification, and leading enterprise-wide ESD initiatives. Additionally, Chuck specializes in auditing, compliance verification, and process assessments across the semiconductor industry, from wafer and MASK fabrication to complex system builds.
A key contributor to the ESD standards community, Chuck serves on the ESD Association’s (ESDA) Board of Directors and actively participates in multiple factory control working groups. He is also the ESD Task Force Chair for SEMI, facilitating collaboration between SEMI and ESDA. In his role as an ANSI U.S. delegate for IEC TC-101, he plays a crucial part in ensuring global ESD standards alignment.
Chuck holds multiple professional certifications, including:
• ESDA Program Manager
• ESDA TR53 Instructor
• iNARTE Certified ESD Engineer
• ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 Trained Auditor
With his extensive background and leadership in electrostatic control, Chuck continues to drive innovation and best practices within the semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing sectors.

David E. Swenson

David E. Swenson retired in 2003 after 35 years of service from 3M.  While at 3M he had responsibility for new packaging material development and application, training of 3M personnel worldwide and providing application assistance to users of static control products globally with particular emphasis on Asia Pacific and Japan.  Dave and his wife Geri established a new company, Affinity Static Control Consulting, L.L.C .in 2003. Dave has been a member of the ESD Association since 1984 and has served in many capacities including 1997 Symposium General Chair and president of the Association in 1998 and 1999 and again in 2008 and 2009.  He was re-elected to the Board of Directors for a 5th term from 2014 to 2016 and is currently appointed to the Board to assist with technical inquiries. Dave was presented with the highest award of the ESD Association, the “Outstanding Contributions Award” in 2002, the Standards Committee “Joel P. Weidendorf Memorial Award” in 2004, the Association “Edward G. Weggeland” Memorial Award in 2014 and the Symposium Committee’s, David Barber, Sr. Memorial award in 2018.  He is a member of the Standards Committee serving several Working Groups and the ANSI/ESD S20.20 Standard Task Team.   Dave also serves as Treasurer and Information Liaison of the Texas Chapter of the ESD Association; he is a member of the Electrostatic Society of America, IMAPS, the UK Institute of Physics and is a US Expert to IEC TC101, Electrostatics.

Jay Skolnik

Jay Skolnik is a licensed professional electrical engineer and is the co-founder and lead engineer/ consultant of Skolnik Technical Training in Albuquerque, NM. With over thirty years of experience in the electronics industry, Jay has developed a multitude of products utilized in different industries, including military, defense, avionics, aerospace, commercial, industrial, medical, automotive, and sports entertainment. As an ESDA certified program manager, Jay teaches ESD mitigation and control for the electronics and energetics specialties. He performs ESD audits to ensure factories and laboratories are following safe ESD control guidelines and procedures. He is also certified by iNARTE and is a certified professional instructor of national instruments (NI). He received his electrical engineering degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla.

David E. Swenson

David E. Swenson retired in 2003 after 35 years of service from 3M.  While at 3M he had responsibility for new packaging material development and application, training of 3M personnel worldwide and providing application assistance to users of static control products globally with particular emphasis on Asia Pacific and Japan.  Dave and his wife Geri established a new company, Affinity Static Control Consulting, L.L.C .in 2003. Dave has been a member of the ESD Association since 1984 and has served in many capacities including 1997 Symposium General Chair and president of the Association in 1998 and 1999 and again in 2008 and 2009.  He was re-elected to the Board of Directors for a 5th term from 2014 to 2016 and is currently appointed to the Board to assist with technical inquiries. Dave was presented with the highest award of the ESD Association, the “Outstanding Contributions Award” in 2002, the Standards Committee “Joel P. Weidendorf Memorial Award” in 2004, the Association “Edward G. Weggeland” Memorial Award in 2014 and the Symposium Committee’s, David Barber, Sr. Memorial award in 2018.  He is a member of the Standards Committee serving several Working Groups and the ANSI/ESD S20.20 Standard Task Team.   Dave also serves as Treasurer and Information Liaison of the Texas Chapter of the ESD Association; he is a member of the Electrostatic Society of America, IMAPS, the UK Institute of Physics and is a US Expert to IEC TC101, Electrostatics.

Carl Newberg

Carl Newberg is the manager of the Applications Engineering Team at Simco-Ion Technology, an ITW Company. Simco-Ion develops ionization solutions for high-technology semiconductor, electronics, and life science manufacturing. He has a B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering, an M.S. Degree in Materials Science, and a professional engineer’s license (Met. Eng.). He was among the first to test and receive certification from the ESDA as a Certified ESD Program Manager. He held positions as the ESD Program Manager for Western Digital Corporation and has been actively involved in the corporate ESD and contamination control programs at Seagate Technology and IBM Corporation. Carl has been a member of the ESD Association since 1995, actively participating as a board member, on many other major committees, and as a tutorial instructor. He currently is the ESD Association working group chairman of WG3 (Ionization) and WG28 (Electrostatic Attraction). He is co-author of "Contamination and ESD Control in High Technology Manufacturing", a book published by John Wiley & Sons.