Abstract
Surface modification of an elastomer may be formed during sliding contact with a rigid counter surface. This alteration leads to a change of mechanical properties at the surface and as a result a change in frictional behavior. Therefore, investigations related to the formation of a modified surface layer on elastomers and its effect on friction are of importance. In the present study, the formation of a modified surface layer on elastomer reinforced by silica is studied. Sliding friction is performed using a pin-on-disc tribometer. Several parameters are varied, namely contact pressure, velocity, and roughness of the counter surface. The existence of a modified surface layer is investigated by using a scanning electron microscope. The results show that the existence of a modified surface layer depends on the competition between the formation rate of the layer and the wear rate. The formation of the layer depends on the contact pressure, velocity, and sliding distance. A general formulation to calculate the volume of formation is proposed. Furthermore, a map of the formation of a modified surface layer is developed.
Highlights
Elastomers are used in several industrial products, such as conveyor belts, tires, and wiper blades
In the present study, the elastic modulus of the elastomer was defined at a strain of 2%; a strain that is expected in the tests at which the material behaves linearly at that strain [25]
For the elastomer used in the present study, the glass temperature occurs at approximately − 40 °C, meaning it will be in the elastomeric region at room temperature
Summary
Elastomers are used in several industrial products, such as conveyor belts, tires, and wiper blades. Detailed knowledge of sliding friction between an elastomer and a counter surface is important to improve the performance of those products. Several factors play a role in the sliding friction between an elastomer and a counter surface, such as contact pressure, sliding velocity, temperature, and surface roughness. The hysteresis contribution originates from the internal damping in the bulk of elastomer due to the oscillating forces exerted from the counter surface onto the elastomer surface. It will be more pronounced with a rough counter surface and/or a high contact pressure because the elastomeric material will deform as a result of harder asperities ploughing through it [2].
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