Scaling theory of rubber sliding friction

Abstract Current theoretical descriptions of rubber or elastomer friction are complex—usually due to extensive mathematical detail describing the topography solid surface. In addition, viscoelastic properties material itself, in particular if is highly filled, further increase complexity. On other hand, experimental coefficients sliding plotted versus speed, temperature parameters do not contain much structure, which suggests that a less detailed approach possible. Here we investigate coefficient on dry surfaces via scaling and dimensional analysis. We propose adhesion promotes dissipation by increasing deformation amplitude at relevant length scales. Finally, comparatively simple expression for obtained, allows an intuitive understanding underlying physics fits data various speeds, temperatures, pressures.