Existence of a tribo-modified surface layer of BR/S-SBR elastomers reinforced with silica or carbon black

• A tribo-modified surface layer on elastomers exists.
• AFM is used to characterize the tribo-modified surface layer.
• Shearing of the surface layer contribution to the friction is emphasized.
• Tribological conditions affect modification of the modified surface layer.
• Filler׳s effect on modification of the modified surface layer is shown.

The existence of a modified surface layer on top of a rubber disk, in contact with a rigid counter-surface, is still a point of discussion. In this study, we show that a modified surface layer with different mechanical properties exists. Modification of the reinforced elastomers is discussed and the subsequent effect of existence of such a layer on the friction is emphasized. The elasticity modulus both inside and outside the wear track is determined by atomic force microscope nano-indentations and compared with the macroscale mechanical properties measured using dynamical mechanical analysis. The elastic modulus inside the wear track is lower than the bulk. Intensifying the tribological conditions by means of increasing normal pressure and sliding velocity will result in a greater loss of mechanical properties.