Characterization of the abrasion behavior, particle morphology, and size distribution of rubber composites with various plasticizer structures

Abstract

Tire treads made of rubber composites generate numerous abrasion particles during friction. However, the morphologies and formation mechanisms of these abrasion particles remain poorly understood. In this study, we developed a self-made abrasion tester to create and collect abrasion particles, focusing on weight loss, size, morphology, and distribution of the abrasion particles. Results showed that compared with commercial plasticizers, all tested resins reduced abrasion loss by 30 % and produced more small-grained abrasion particles. For example, rubber samples added with polystyrene resins and C5/C9 hydrogenated petroleum resins had lower abrasion loss than that of rubber added with treated distillate aromatic extract oil. Dicyclopentadiene resin yielded the least abrasion, whereas C9 hydrogenated petroleum resin produced the most. Hydrogenated resin (HR) resulted in the highest quantity of small abrasion particles and lowest large particles. Different plasticizer structures influenced the morphology of abrasion particles. Within the particle size range of 18–150 μm, the abrasion particles of each sample were granular. Meanwhile, in the larger particle size ranges of 150–300 μm and 300–600 μm (600–1000 μm), all resins, particularly HR, exhibited an increased curing degree compared to treated distillate aromatic extract. For particles over 1000 μm, all resins resulted in smoother surfaces on the abrasion particles.