Studies on Properties of Short Fiber Reinforced Natural Rubber Composites

Natural rubber/fiber composites were prepared in a laboratory mixer using new and waste short nylon fiber by a one-step mixing process. Fiber loading and bonding agent effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were studied. The cure characteristics of composites were investigated by using rheometer. Cure and scorching times of the composites decreased while maximum torques increased with increasing fiber loading. The mechanical properties of the composites improved with increasing the short fibers. The adhesion between the fiber and the rubber was enhanced by the addition of a dry bonding system consisting of resorcinol, hexamethylene tetramine and hydrated silica (HRH).