Ridge Formation during the Abrasion of Elastomers

Abstract

Abstract Scanning electron microscopy studies have been carried out on gum and filled natural rubber vulcanizates to investigate the ridge formation in the abrasion of elastomers. The first step of the ridge formation is the occurrence of small particles on the smooth abrading surface by a process of microtearing. Their size and shape depend upon the frictional force per unit length of the abrader in contact with the rubber and the nature of the rubber and the abrasive. These particles are not loose, and, hence, are not removed easily if the strength of the matrix is high. Further particles appear on the surface with continued abrasion. These particles coalesce to form fine ridges on the surface which become progressively thicker. Removal of these ridges depends upon the crack growth resistance and strength of the vulcanizate as well as on the dissipation of sliding energy in the matrix. Gum and filled natural rubber vulcanizates follow similar mechanisms of ridge formation. Due to low strength and crack growth resistance of the gum natural rubber, the abrasion resistance is poor compared to the filled ones.