What Is Abrasion?
Abrasion resistance test is an experiment in which the volume or mass loss is measured by rubbing the sample at a certain distance against a standard abrasive surface under a defined load. Rotary roller (DIN wear) methods are used in rubber, Taber or Martindale methods are used in textiles and coatings.
Purpose of Abrasion
The aim is to comparatively determine the material's resistance to abrasion.
Which Products Is Abrasion Applied To?
- Rubber sole and coatings
- Belt and hose outer surfaces
- Coated surfaces
- Textile and flooring materials
In Which Sectors Is Abrasion Used?
Standards Related to Abrasion
- ISO 4649 (rubber, rotary cylinder)
- ASTM D5963
- ISO 5470-1 (Taber)
- ISO 12947 (Martindale)
Abrasion Conditions
- Method
- Rotary cylinder (DIN), Taber rotary disc or Martindale
- Load
- Defined in the standard; according to method and material
- Abradant
- Standard sandpaper or abrasive disc; calibrated with reference material
- Distance/cycle
- Rubbing distance or number of cycles defined in the standard
Equipment for Abrasion
- Rotary roller wear device
- Taber and/or Martindale wear device
- Analytical balance
- Reference rubber and standard abrasive stock
Sample Requirements for Abrasion
- Sample dimensions and thickness must comply with the standard
- The abrasive surface must be calibrated with reference material
- Sample and reference should be tested in the same batch
- The number of specimens is defined in the standard
Duration of Abrasion
Typically 2–4 days.
Abrasion Procedure
- 1The abrasive surface is calibrated with the reference material.
- 2The sample is weighed or measured.
- 3Wear is applied at defined load and distance.
- 4The sample is cleaned and weighed again.
- 5Volume or mass loss is calculated.
- 6If necessary, a relative index is given relative to the reference.
Abrasion Acceptance Criteria
The acceptance criterion is the maximum volume loss or minimum wear index given in the specification.
Evaluation of Results
The abrasive surface dulls over time; Results obtained without calibration with reference material cannot be compared between series. The results of different methods (DIN, Taber, Martindale) are not interchangeable.
Abrasion Report
- Standard and method applied
- Load, distance/cycle
- Abrasive calibration and reference result
- Volume or mass loss
- Relative wear index
Accreditation
EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation obtained from accreditation bodies party to the IAF and ILAC multilateral recognition arrangements, under ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory testing, ISO/IEC 17020 for inspection and surveillance, and ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO/IEC 17065 for system and product certification. This chain ensures the reports and certificates issued are accepted worldwide.
Whether this test can be offered within accredited scope depends on your product and the standard applied; since accreditation is method-based, the scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.
Scope and authorisationsRelated Regulations
- Material and product specifications
Rubber Testing — What Does This Testing Field Cover?
The section below describes the field that the Abrasion test belongs to; the conditions and acceptance criteria of this particular test are given in the sections above. The scope specific to your product is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.
Rubber testing determines the mechanical behaviour of an elastomer and its resistance to environmental effects. Elastomers are assessed with a different logic from metals and plastics: the real question is not strength but ELASTIC RECOVERY and ageing behaviour.
The function of an elastomer is usually to deform and return: a gasket is compressed and provides a seal, a mount absorbs vibration, a hose expands under pressure. What is measured in the field is therefore not "how many newtons does it withstand" but "how far does it recover after deformation, and how long does it keep doing so".
COMPRESSION SET is therefore the most decisive measurement in the field. If a gasket cannot recover after being held compressed for a long period, it has lost its sealing function even though it has not torn at all. This measurement is made together with temperature, because permanent set increases rapidly with temperature.
Hardness is the most common measurement in the field, using the Shore A and IRHD scales. It is fast and practical but does not define the material on its own: two different compounds of the same hardness can show completely different ageing and fluid resistance. Hardness is valuable in monitoring compound consistency.
On the environmental resistance side, hot air ageing, swelling in fluids, ozone cracking and low temperature behaviour are examined. FLUID RESISTANCE is particularly critical: the same elastomer behaves differently in fuel, oil, coolant and brake fluid — swelling in one, shrinking in another, hardening in a third. The material is therefore tested with the actual fluid it will contact and at the actual temperature.
Ozone cracking is a silent cause of failure in parts used outdoors. Low concentrations of ozone in the atmosphere create surface cracks in unsaturated elastomers under strain; the part cracks while appearing to carry no load at all. An ozone chamber accelerates and reveals this behaviour.
Low temperature behaviour is the second silent risk. As an elastomer approaches its glass transition temperature it loses elasticity and behaves like a rigid plastic; a gasket starts to leak in the cold. Low temperature recovery and brittleness tests establish this limit.
A change of compound is not a silent change in this family. When filler content, plasticiser or the vulcanisation system changes, mechanical properties and fluid resistance shift together; verification is repeated.
Method groups in this field
Mechanical
Tensile stress-strain properties, tear strength, abrasion (rotating drum and Pico), fatigue and tear propagation.
Hardness
Shore A and IRHD indentation hardness; a rapid indicator of compound consistency.
Permanent deformation
Compression set and stress relaxation; decisive for sealing components.
Fluid resistance
Swelling in fuel, oil, coolant and chemicals, change in mass and volume, loss of hardness and strength.
Ageing
Hot air ageing, ozone cracking, the effects of UV and humidity.
Low temperature
Low temperature recovery, brittleness temperature and flexibility measurements.
Commonly confused in this field
- Hardness does not define the material; two compounds of the same hardness can show different ageing and fluid resistance.
- Fluid resistance must be tested with the actual fluid and the actual temperature; a general claim of oil resistance is insufficient.
- Without measuring compression set, no decision can be made about sealing life.
- Ozone cracking occurs under strain; a test with an unstrained specimen does not show the real risk.
- A change of compound requires verification to be repeated; a supplier may change its compound silently.
- A gasket whose low temperature behaviour is not stated produces unexpected leaks in cold climates.
Which decisions these results support
- Material selection for gaskets and sealing components
- Automotive and industrial component approval
- Verification of a compound change
- Root cause analysis of field leaks and cracking
- Declaration of the operating temperature range and fluid compatibility
Related Tests
Frequently Asked Questions About Abrasion
According to which standard is Abrasion made?
Abrasion is executed in scope ISO 4649 (rubber, rotary cylinder), ASTM D5963, ISO 5470-1 (Taber) and ISO 12947 (Martindale). The limit values and acceptance criteria to be applied are defined in the product standard; The version valid for your product is confirmed in writing at the offer stage.
Which products does Abrasion apply to?
Mainly applied to Rubber sole and coatings, Belt and hose outer surfaces, Coated surfaces and Textile and flooring materials. Whether your product is included in the scope is determined by examining its technical specifications and intended use.
Under what conditions is Abrasion done?
The determining parameters are: Method — Rotary cylinder (DIN), Taber rotary disc or Martindale, Load — Defined in the standard; according to method and material and Abradant — Standard sandpaper or abrasive disc; calibrated with reference material. The full terms are in the "Test Conditions" section on the page and vary depending on the product standard.
What kind of sample is needed for Abrasion?
Sample dimensions and thickness must comply with the standard, The abrasive surface must be calibrated with reference material and Sample and reference should be tested in the same batch. The number of samples is determined according to the product standard and the scope to be reported.
How long does Abrasion take?
Typically 2–4 days. This duration belongs to the experiment itself; sample preparation, queuing and reporting are also evaluated. A realistic schedule for your product is given in the offer.
What is the Abrasion result called "appropriate"?
The acceptance criterion is the maximum volume loss or minimum wear index given in the specification.