REACTIVITY OF SHORT OXIDIZED CARBON-FIBERS AND FUNCTIONALIZED ELASTOMER

Using the curves obtained with a Monsanto oscillating disk rheometer, a clear reaction can be seen between short oxidized carbon fibres and the epoxidized natural rubber matrix, which does not occur, or occurs to only a very small extent, when non-treated carbon fibres are used. This reaction causes a continuous, although less accentuated, increase in the elastic component of the S force couples. The extent of the re action depends on the fibre content, on the degree of oxidation of the fibres and on the temperature. The reaction among the matrix and fibr e components is translated into an increase in the percentage of non-s olvent extractable rubber. (C) 1998 Society of Chemical Industry