How is the wear resistance of tire rubber measured?

The wear resistance of tire rubber is usually measured through a series of professional testing and evaluation methods. These methods aim to simulate the wear of tires in actual use and evaluate their wear resistance based on this. Here are some main measurement methods and considerations:

1、 Wear resistance testing method

Wear testing machine test:

Professional abrasion testing machines are used for testing, such as GB/T 40797-2021 "Determination of Wear Resistance of Vulcanized Rubber or Thermoplastic Rubber by Vertical Drive Grinding Disc Method". This method involves placing a wheel shaped rubber sample perpendicular to a grinding disc and squeezing them under a set load to evaluate wear resistance by measuring the loss of wear mass. The test results are usually expressed in terms of mass loss per unit distance traveled and/or wear resistance index compared to the reference material.

Other standard testing methods:

ASTM D394 describes the DuPont abrasion test method, which uses a disc made of special sandpaper to wear rubber test pieces.

ASTM D1630 describes a device called NBS abrasion machine, suitable for testing sole rubber vulcanizates.

ASTM D2228 describes the Pico abrasion apparatus, which uses a tungsten carbide knife to grind the surface of a rotating rubber specimen.

ASTM D3389 is about Taber (rotating platform grinder) abrasion test, which uses a grinding wheel to press on a rubber test piece mounted on a rotating platform for testing.

2、 Considerations for wear resistance evaluation

Rubber formula and additives:

Different rubber formulations and additives directly affect the wear resistance of tire rubber. For example, tires made with high-strength rubber and special wear-resistant additives typically have better wear resistance.

Tire tread design:

The shape, depth, and distribution of tire patterns can also affect wear resistance. Generally speaking, tires with deep patterns and reasonable distribution have relatively better wear resistance.

Driving conditions:

Driving conditions have a significant impact on tire wear resistance. Adverse road conditions, such as gravel roads and muddy roads, can accelerate tire wear, while driving on flat highways results in relatively slower wear.

Vehicle load capacity and driving habits:

Long term overloading of vehicles can accelerate tire wear. In addition, aggressive driving behaviors such as sudden braking, rapid acceleration, and frequent turning can also increase tire wear.

3、 Application of wear resistance testing

Wear resistance testing is widely used in quality control, research and development, and compliance testing of tires and other rubber products. Through testing, it can be ensured that tires have good wear resistance in actual use, extend their service life, reduce replacement frequency, and thus lower usage costs.

In summary, the wear resistance of tire rubber is measured through professional testing and evaluation methods that consider various factors, including rubber formula, pattern design, driving conditions, vehicle load capacity, and driving habits. Through wear resistance testing, it can be ensured that the tire has good wear resistance in actual use.