Observations of dry particles behaviour at the tyre/road interface

Previous studies highlighted that friction value measured on real road surface textures covered by particles depends on particle sizes. This paper focuses on identification of particles behaviours at the tyre/road interface in the presence of particles. Identification is made by visual observations through high-speed camera, focus-variation microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy on the contaminated surface as scratch analysis on the surface. Two particle types were collected into samples picked next to roads. They are composed of clay and quartz which have different behaviours at the interface and affect the friction. Clay has a lasting effect due to its adhesive behaviour. Quartz has a scratching and rolling behaviour and is quickly ejected to the contact area due to a pinching effect. [Display omitted] •Quartz has a rolling and scratching behaviour, wearing the pavement.•Particles whose radius of curvature lower than 25 μm cause deeper scratches.•Clay has an adhesive, rolling and scratching behaviour.•Quartz is quickly ejected from the road, clay stick impacting the friction.•SEM analysis show chemical deposits on the surface and not mineral deposits.