Compounding and Processing Studies of Rubber Compounds Reinforced by Short Aramid Fibers with Different Surface Treatments

There is a renewed interest in the application of short aramid fibers in elastomers due to the considerable improvement of tribological and hysteretical properties of the corresponding rubber composites. Possible applications of short aramid fiber reinforced compounds are tires, dynamically loaded rubber seals, diaphragms, engine mounts, transmission belts, conveyer belts, and hoses.

In the past, the use of short aramid fibers was hampered by the chemical inertness of the aramid surface, leading to a lack of interaction between fiber and elastomer, resulting in dispersion problems and insufficient fiber-matrix adhesion. The recent progress of Teijin Aramid in the development of surface modified aramid fibers might overcome these problems.

Our studies are related to the investigation of dispersion, orientation and length distribution of the short aramid fibers that is induced during processing. We show how combined studies using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, confocal scanning laser microscopy and tensile testing are necessary to explore the new generation short aramid fiber reinforced elastomer composites.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), Teijin Aramid BV for providing Twaron short fibers and DSM NV for providing of masterbatches und chemicals.