Effect of fiber reinforcement on thermal stability and swelling behavior of CR/NBR blends

The effect of type, length, and denier of fibers on the thermal stability a nd swelling behavior of chloroprene/butadiene-acrylonitrile rubbers (CR/NBR ) composites was investigated. The results reveal that Nylon 6 fibers impro ved mechanical properties, thermal stability, and swelling resistance in to luene of 50/50 CR/NBR blends. Of all fiber types investigated, the viscose fiber CR/NBR composite has the best swelling resistance in motor oil, where as the polyester (PET) fiber composite has the best swelling resistance in brake fluid. The effect of Nylon 6 fiber loading up to 30 phr was tested in terms of mechanical properties of the composites and swelling in toluene a nd oils. Also, the reinforcement of white-filled blends were examined. Nylo n 6 fiber loadings (15-30 phr) showed promising results, and the white-fill ed Nylon 6 composites showed a significant reinforcement with regard to mec hanical properties and thermal stability.