Rubber friction on wet rough substrates at low velocities is typically 20%–30% smaller than for the corresponding dry surfaces. We show that this cannot be due to hydrodynamics and propose an explanation based on a sealing effect exerted by rubber on substrate “pools” filled with water. Water effectively smoothens the substrate, reducing the major friction contribution due to induced viscoelastic deformations of the rubber by surface asperities. The theory is illustrated with applications related to tire-road friction.

• Received 29 April 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.71.035428