Abstract

A test procedure is described which permits isolation of controllable variables such as the formula, the curing cycle, and the curing temperature on the intrinsic wear rate of tire tread compounds under low‐severity conditions of use. The specimen, in the form of a rubber roller, rotates in contact with a solid wheel. Both a vertical load and a braking torque may be applied to obtain pressures and slippage in the contact area that are typical for pneumatic tires in service. The specimen has a central core, made of a suitable compound, and a thin outer layer made of the compound to be tested. This keeps the contact area and the specimen temperature constant so that they do not affect measurements of intrinsic wear rate of the compound. Some effects of temperature on intrinsic wear rate are discussed.