Yokohama Rubber has announced a major breakthrough in rubber friction research, successfully developing the world’s first theoretical model for predicting tyre wear on uneven surfaces. The research, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Bo Nils Johan Persson, a leading expert in contact mechanics and rubber friction, marks a significant advancement in the understanding of tyre wear behaviour.
The study, which was completed in December 2024, enables accurate predictions of wear rates and particle size distribution of rubber debris from tyres. The model is capable of simulating wear behaviour across multiple scales, from nanometres to centimetres, making it a powerful tool for improving tyre design. This work has gained recognition in the scientific community, being selected as the cover story for the 21 February 2025 edition of The Journal of Chemical Physics, a publication of the American Institute of Physics.
Dr. Persson, who has made substantial contributions to the fields of friction, wear, and lubrication, has worked extensively with industries to tackle real-world challenges. Based in Germany at the Peter Grünberg Institute and operating Multiscale Consulting, he has developed a unique approach to studying rubber friction that has been validated through numerous peer-reviewed studies.
Yokohama Rubber’s collaboration with Dr. Persson’s company has allowed for the creation of this theoretical model, which successfully predicts rubber wear under both dry and wet conditions at varying pressures and sliding speeds. Experimental validation confirmed that the model’s predictions closely align with actual rubber wear data, making it a reliable tool for future research.
The ability to predict tyre wear with greater accuracy is expected to have a profound impact on the tyre industry. One of the key applications of this model will be in the development of tyres with enhanced wear resistance, particularly as the demand for durable, high-performance tyres grows with the rise of heavy electric vehicles (EVs).
Tyre wear particles are an increasing environmental concern, as they contribute to microplastic pollution. With this new model, Yokohama Rubber aims to develop solutions that mitigate these impacts, aligning with the industry’s broader sustainability goals.
This latest breakthrough is part of Yokohama Rubber’s YX2026 medium-term management plan, which focuses on accelerating technological innovation. Under the initiative, the company is leveraging AI, rubber material advancements, and collaborative research with leading academic and industrial partners.
By refining its understanding of tyre wear mechanisms, Yokohama Rubber seeks to not only improve product longevity but also contribute to global efforts to reduce environmental harm caused by tyre-derived microplastics.
It is the first model that accurately predicts rubber wear rates and particle size distribution on rough surfaces, aiding in tyre development and sustainability efforts.
Experiments measured rubber wear under different conditions, confirming that the model’s predictions closely matched real-world data.
The model will help develop longer-lasting tyres and reduce tyre wear particle pollution, particularly in response to the heavier loads of electric vehicles.
The company plans to continue research with Dr. Persson and apply the findings to improve tyre wear resistance and address environmental challenges.
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