For many reactions performed in fluidized beds, the mechanical stability of particles is of major importance, and yet, despite this, previous studies have disagreed on the elutriated amount and origin of fine particles. This paper therefore investigates the attrition of particles in bubbling fluidized beds in more detail to determine whether these differences are due to electrostatic or other interparticle forces. To achieve this, the forces acting during fluidization are mathematically derived, and two particle types (alumina and dolomite) are experimentally investigated. Based on the results obtained, a simple model is developed to describe the attrition of both particle types. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.