ASTM D5963-04

Abrasion resistance is a performance factor of paramount importance for many rubber products, such as tires, conveyor belts, power transmission belts, hoses, footwear, and floor covering. A test capable of measuring resistance to abrasion of rubber, including uniformity of wear behavior under abrasive/frictional service conditions is therefore highly desirable.

This test method may be used to estimate the relative abrasion resistance of different rubbers. Since conditions of abrasive wear in service are complex and vary widely, no direct correlation between this accelerated test and actual performance can be assumed.

This test method is suitable for comparative testing, quality control, specification compliance testing, referee purposes, and research and development work.

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of abrasion resistance of rubbers (vulcanized thermoset rubbers and thermoplastic elastomers) that are subject to abrasive/frictional wear in actual service. The abrasion resistance is measured by moving a test piece across the surface of an abrasive sheet mounted to a revolving drum, and is expressed as volume loss in cubic millimetres or abrasion resistance index in percent. For volume loss, a smaller number indicates better abrasion resistance, while for the abrasion resistance index, a smaller number denotes poorer abrasion resistance.

1.2 Test results obtained by this test method shall not be assumed to represent the wear behavior of rubber products experienced in actual service.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.