THE INFLUENCE OF CONTACT ELECTRIFICATION ON THE ADHESION OF DIELECTRIC ELASTIC SPHERES SUBJECTED TO EXTERNAL LOADS BEFORE DETACHMENT

The influence of a static load on the adhesion of an elastic sphere to a rigid smooth surface has been investigated. The change in ratio of the electrostatic component of the adhesion force resulting from the f ormation of an electric double layer to the molecular one as a result of the contact pressure has been evaluated theoretically. The tearing- off force and the surface density of the charge forming in the contact between the silicone rubber sphere and a steel plate were determined simultaneously. It is shown that the observed increase in sticking for ce of the sphere after its compression may be explained by an increase in the electrostatic component of the adhesion force. which is propor tional to the contact area.