Abrasion testing on rubber compounds is strongly affected by a multitude of parameters, making the assessment of wear resistance particularly challenging. This contribution presents a systematic and methodological study aimed at deepening the understanding of the abrasion phenomenon through indoor testing performed with the Grosch abrasion machine. Specific focus is given to specimen conditioning strategies, local contact and pressure-dependent effects, and the evolution of abrasive surfaces over their lifetime to improve test repeatability. The role of third-body powder, introduced to prevent smearing on the abrasive disk and influencing the wear mechanism, will also be discussed, highlighting the complexity of wear.

• Sources of uncertainty in indoor abrasion testing
• The role of specimen conditioning in reliable measurements
• Surface roughness evolution during repeated testing
• Controlled use of powder in abrasion experiments