Friction and Wear of Tire Tread Rubber

Abstract

Abstract Using a flat-belt tire test machine, this study investigated causal factors in the wear of tire tread. To ensure the success of the experiment, the accuracy of the testing device was improved and the trial conditions were kept under close control. As a measure against sticky particles of worn rubber clinging to the surfaces of the safety-walk and tires, a uniform amount of mica powder was electrostatically coated onto the tire tread surfaces. Surface whiteness was measured and controlled automatically to maintain a constant level. The amount of wear was calculated by weighing the tire on a precision six-order electrical balance sensitive down to 0.1 g. Consequently, in a relatively short time it was possible to ascertain measurable rates of wear, and the effects of main factors on the wear rate (the weight reduction per unit distance travelled) of car tires, the linear wear rate (the weight reduction per unit distance slid), the energetic wear rate (the weight reduction per unit energy lost), and friction coefficient were evident.