Characterization of Tire Wear Particulates

摘要

This report describes results from laboratory test conditions to collect and characterize tire wear particulates as produced by the operation of passenger car tires. The tests were performed on a single radial tire (DR78-14) and a single bias tire using the capabilities of the Calspan Tire Research Facility (TIRF) that features a flat test surface consisting of a coated steel belt that simulates the friction properties of actual road surfaces. Tires were also tested under typical load and inflation pressure conditions. The general conclusions were: (1) Airborne rubber particulates were produced in an extremely small quantity, (2) The bulk of the collected airborne particulates were identified as contaminant debris, (3) Tests on the radial tire produced a particle size distribution with a medium particle diameter about one-half of that produced by identical tests on the bias tire.