Effects of particle size and structure of carbon blacks on the abrasion of filled elastomer compounds

The effects of the particle size and structure of various carbon blacks on friction and abrasion behavior of filled natural rubber (NR), styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) and polybutadiene (BR) compounds were investigated using a modified blade abrader. The effect of particle size and structure on abrasion resistance should be considered for the optimum design of desired wear properties. Characteristic parameters were introduced from the particle size and the structure of carbon blacks, with a linear relationship between the Young’s modulus and these characteristic parameters. The frictional coefficient depended not only on the particle size, but also on the structure of carbon black. The rates of abrasion were decreased with increasing surface area and developing structure of carbon blacks. Abrasion rates of the compounds were found to be proportional to a power n of the applied frictional work input. It was also observed that BR compounds caused much slower wear than NR and SBR compounds. The worn surfaces of the rubber compounds filled with carbon black having smaller particle size and a more developed structure showed narrower spaced ridges and better abrasion resistance. It means that smaller particle size and better structure development of carbon black resulted in improved abrasion resistance.