Abstract

Abradibility and braking force coefficient (BFC) were determined on compounds of various elastomers and fillers, using a modified Lambourn abrader. Butyl rubber showed the highest BFC and butadiene rubber the lowest, with SBR intermediate. While the effect of carbon black type is not as large certain types of carbon black imparted not only improved traction (“wet” BFC) to tread compounds but also increased wear resistance, in contrast to other methods of improving traction which invariably lead to lower abrasion resistance. The laboratory relationship was confirmed on actual tires on a special trailer and on a test fleet car.