Fiber Basics
The utilization of natural fibers as a reinforcement in rubber compounds has been around for nearly 100 years. The early fibers were created from tire cord remnants. Today's fiber additives are available in a wide range of chemical structures (glass, organic, synthetic, aramid, carbon, coated and uncoated); as well as various diameters, bundles, twists, fibrillation, and lengths. Fibers offer unique compound properties such as increased tensile modulus, abrasion resistance, improved tear strength, noise reduction, thermal stability and cut resistance. The fiber's crystallinity, decomposition temperature and polarity impact the ability of the fiber to adhere to the polymer matrix and enhance cured elastomer compound performance. These characteristics also impact the ease of dispersion in the uncured elastomer compound. The rod-like structures can be oriented in "with-grain" to provide unique directional properties or anisotropy. Finite Fiber's technical team will assist you in achieving real performance enhancements. We will identify the fiber type and length, advise on any formulation adjustments necessary and recommend any production changes which might be necessary to insure your compound is delivering the highest performance possible. PelleFiber is a patent pending product that creates fiber bundles which can include bonding agents and dispersion aids, in a high density pelletized form that is versatile, accurate and easy-dosing in the processing operation.
70X Magnification of Aramid Dispersion
Properties
The ultimate result of every fiber reinforcement project is to manipulate the basic properties of polymers to produce the highest performance compound for your specific application. The first chart provides general property characteristics for each of the major fibers. The second chart is an example of how dramatically tensile modulus can be improved with the introduction of fiber. Other properties can be influenced with equal results.
Fiber Load Ratios
Tensile Modulus
Anisotropic Ratio
Anisotropic Ratio
Anisotropic Ratio
Anisotropic Ratio
Anisotropic Ratio
Anisotropic Properties
Milling/Calendaring
Milling/Calendaring
The use of engineered fibers provides additional opportunities to manipulate polymer properties. This is accomplished with the creation of fiber directionality. Specifically, modulous can be altered significantly by aligning the fibers in a common direction in the milling, calendering and extrusion processes.
Milling/Calendaring
Milling/Calendaring
Milling/Calendaring
Extrusion
Effect of Fiber Length
Effect of Fiber Length
Effect of Fiber Length
Effect of Fiber Length
Effect of Fiber Length
Longer fibers, randomly oriented, create more tensile modulus (strength). In the case of oriented fibers, more modulus is realized in the "machine direction" (with the grain) of the polymer matrix. See anisotropic chart above.