Dusting and time dependence of x-ray triboluminescence of adhesive tape

The intensity of x-ray triboluminescence from a continuously running belt of adhesive tape is highly time dependent, with a shape roughly like 1/t. Aiming to uncover mechanisms underlying time dependence and prolonging high-intensity x-ray production we investigated Zinc Oxide dusting which led to an entirely different regime of intensity as a function of time, hinting at glue flow and beta radiation damage as possible reasons for decreased intensity over time.