Characterization of Short Nylon Fibre Reinforced Natural Rubber Composites

Abstract

Abstract The study undertaken corroborates two important aspects of the short nylon-6 fibre reinforced natural rubber composites. Effect of fibre loading on the tear, hardness and abrasion resistance is positive in the sense that it enhances these properties where as tensile strength increases only in the longitudinal orientation of fibres. The hysteresis properties and ultimate elongation are adversely affected. Secondly, an increase in the size of the fibres has mixed effect on the mechanical properties like tensile, abrasion, set and heat build up, where as tear strength improves in longitudinal orientation of the fibres. There exists a critical loading of fibres beyond which the mechanical properties of the composites decrease because of ineffective bonding of fibres with the rubber matrix.