Can leather be used for a Van de Graaff generator's bottom roller?

[Fischer777]

Hello everyone. I am trying to build a Van de Graaff generator for a project of mine (the triboelectric kind), and I have heard that leather is very high on the triboelectric scale, so I plan on using it for the bottom roller. However, I am not sure if this is referring to the smooth, tanned side of the leather, or the 'fuzzy' soft side. My initial tests conclude that it is the soft side, but I want to make sure.

Also, if I use leather on the bottom roller and PVC for the top, will the dome take on a negative charge? I was under the impression that it would, but after doing some research, I'm not sure anymore.

 

[anorlunda]

Yes, rough side out on the leather belt.

You can design it to make the top negative or positively charged.

I suggest searching for "DIY Van de Graaff" for more construction tips.