Interactions between Thermal Oxidation and Sliding Friction on the Aging and Wear Behavior of Natural Rubber Nanocomposites

Products of natural rubber/carbon black (NR/CB) nanocomposites, such as aircraft tire tread rubber, often face the alternating effects of high-speed sliding friction and thermo-oxidative aging during service. This study simulated the severe service conditions of the tread rubber. It was found that the initial thermo-oxidative aging alternated the cross-linking structure and mechanical properties of NR nanocomposites, leading to a nonmonotonic change in their subsequent wear behavior. Furthermore, the initial structural damage induced by strong sliding friction on the rubber surface accelerated subsequent thermo-oxidative aging, changing the competition between post-cross-linking and degradation reactions. The findings of this study are expected to deepen understanding of the factors and mechanisms affecting the safety of aircraft tire tread rubber under complex servicing conditions.