Investigating the Influence of Friction and Material Wear on Triboelectric Charge Transfer in Metal–Polymer Contacts

A reciprocating tribometer has been modified with a high-impedance electronic measurement circuit for the purpose of addressing the question of how tribology influences triboelectric charging. This measurement circuit allows for the accurate measurement of potential difference, induced current, and total triboelectric charge generated within the tribometer contact. These electronic properties can now be effectively compared with tribological parameters such as contact force, relative sample velocity, and friction coefficient (μ) for varying contacts. In this study we present our apparatus, alongside our findings regarding the influence of material wear mechanisms and friction on the accumulation and dissipation of triboelectric contact charges.