Polarization phenomena on a silica surface immersed in various gases

On a silica surface, polarization current intensity versus time and Thermostimulated Depolarization Current (TDC) spectra were recorded. This polarization depended on the nature of the ambient gas. Higher was the pressure or longer was the exposure time, higher was the polarization current intensity and larger was the TDC peak area. Nevertheless, when the gas pressure in the vessel was enough low during the depolarization, TDC peak temperature jumped to a higher value. According to polarization conditions, specimens could approach to an electret behaviour.