Electric Field Effect on the Sliding Friction of a Charged Gel

Sliding friction of a charged gel on a substrate was investigated by applying electric voltage between gel and the substrate. It is found that the sliding friction increases markedly with the increase of the applied voltage; the friction coefficient increased by a factor of about 10 when 70 V voltage is applied. This voltage dependence of frictional force is explained by using the adhesion friction model proposed by Schallamach.