Cure characteristics and mechanical properties of natural rubber - Short nylon fiber composites

Cure characteristics and mechanical properties of short nylon fiber reinforced natural rubber composites have been studied. Minimum torque, (maximum-minimum) torque and cure rate increased with fiber concentration. Scorch time and cure time decreased by the addition of fibers. Properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at break, heat build up and abrasion resistance were studied both in specimens with both longitudinal and transverse orientation of fibers. Tensile strength showed a marked minimum at 10 phr of fiber loading beyond which it increased with fiber content. Tear strength, abrasion resistance and heat build up increased with the addition of fibers, whereas elongation at break decreased with fiber content. Ageing resistance of the composites was better than that of the gum compound.