Abstract
Using a electrically conductive, carbon black filled rubber slider, it is found that the frictional force may be increased when an electrical potential is applied across the interface. Under certain conditions a two to three fold increase in friction was observed for voltages up to 2000 V. The current flow is generally so small that the power consumption does not exceed a few watts. Such a remarkable influence on friction obtained at the expense of only a small power may be of interest in certain applications.