Effect of Adhesion Properties of Frost-Resistant Rubbers on Sliding Friction

Results of experimental study of rubber friction in dry sliding contact with a steel smooth counterbody are presented. Two types of frost-resistant elastomers are studied, which are based on propylenoxide rubber with high and low adhesion controlled by addition of carbon black. Adhesion properties of the rubbers are determined from experimental approach–separation curves obtained by the atomic force microscope (AFM). Roughness parameters of the rubber and counterbody are also measured by AFM. The obtained values of the adhesion properties and roughness parameters are used to calculate the coefficient of friction based on the model of a viscoelastic solid in sliding contact with a rigid indenter having regular surface roughness. The results of calculations are in good agreement with the experimental dependence of the coefficient of friction on the nominal pressure (ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 MPa) and sliding velocity (ranging from 1 to 100 mm/s) obtained at the room temperature.