Abstract: A system and apparatus for separating different types of particulate materials selectively by subjecting a moving mixture of said materials to a combined applied direct current (D.C.) voltage and radio frequency (RF) electric field, thereby causing the particles to become differentially heated in accordance with the respective dielectric constants and loss factors of the various particles. The separation is accomplished as a result of the differential loss of electrostatic charges impressed upon the different types of materials in accordance with their respective physical and chemical characteristics. During this process, there is no permanent or irreversible alteration in the chemical and physical properties of the particulate materials.