Minibot Burning Rubber

[philso]

Are there different grades of surgical tubing? If so, are some more abrasion resistant than others?

We are using a piece of surgical tubing as the tread for a custom-made wheel. Whenever we put the wheel up against the pole, the latex starts peeling off and showering us with particles like eraser crumbs. Increasing the normal force only seems to increase the intensity of the shower. Eventually we get a burning smell.

Thanks.

Phil