Abstract

Abrasion tests of model tire tread compounds (NR and NR/BR blend compounds) were performed at different slip angles (1° and 7°) using a laboratory abrasion tester. The abrasion behavior was investigated by analyzing the worn surface and wear particles. The abrasion spacing formed on the specimen worn at the large slip angle of 7° was significantly narrower than that at the small slip angle of 1°, while the abrasion depth for the specimen worn at 7° was lower than that at 1°. The abrasion spacing and depth tended to be narrower and lower, respectively, as the BR content increased. The abrasion patterns were clearly visible on the outside of the specimen for the slip angle of 1° but not for 7°. The wear particles had a rough surface and there were numerous micro-bumps. It was found that the crosslink density affected the abrasion patterns and morphologies of the wear particles.

Keywords: abrasion pattern;slip angle;wear particle;morphology;rubber vulcanizate