High-speed tribological properties of Eucommia ulmoides gum/natural rubber blends: Experimental and molecular dynamics simulation study

Excellent tribological qualities make Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) an alternative to natural rubber (NR) for aircraft tire applications. Using self-developed apparatus, the high-speed tribological properties of EUG/NR blends were investigated. Molecular simulations were used to explain the enhancement mechanism. The surface morphology of the blends suggested a cyclic wear process. EUG improved the blend’s wear resistance while reducing the friction coefficient. The wear resistance of the suggested 20/80 EUG/NR blend increased by 54.5%, 25.3%, 13.9% and 19.6% at 3.05, 6.10, 9.15 and 12.2 m/s, and the sacrificed coefficients of friction were only 5.5%, 4.2%, 5.3% and 1.6%.