METAL FIBRE-REINFORCED RUBBER

A. G. Causa, D. K. Kim, and R. S. Bhakuni, "Advances In Metallic and Polymeric Fibre Reinforcement For Tyres," International Rubber... 

The various corrosion challenges which the industries are facing undoubtedly and frustratingly make them look for materials to protect their plant and equipment from the attacks due to corrosive media. While they search, rubber comes in to the forefront offering to face their corrosion challenges, in preference to costly metallic alternatives like titanium, manganese, stainless steel, etc. Non-metallics, such as fibre-reinforced plastics and specialty plastics, have limited application in critical areas. 

Moisture absorption into textile and fibre reinforcements in specialised seal compounds is often possible where exposed fibre ends are exposed to the surface of the rubber compound, either during moulding or subsequently during trimming operations. As the amount of moisture absorbed alters with atmospheric conditions of humidity and temperature there will be a variation in the activity of the electrolyte formed in the textile/rubber and thus the corrosivity of the compound to contacted metals. 

The traditional TPS for launcher fairings and re-entry capsules consists of an external ablative insulation, fixed or bonded onto a metallic primary structure. Ablative materials are based on thermosets (phenolic and epoxy resins) or elastomers (ethylene-propylene and silicone rubbers) usually filled and reinforced with cork, cotton, glass, silica, quartz, carbon, silicon carbide, nylon and aramid in the form of powders, fibres, fabrics and felt (Table 2). 

This is Volume 2 of Natural Rubber Materials and it covers natural rubber-based composites and nanocomposites in 27 chapters. It focuses on the different types of fillers, the filler matrix reinforcement mechanisms, manufacturing techniques, and applications of natural rubber-based composites and nanocomposites. The first 4 chapters deal with the present state of art and manufacturing methods of natural rubber materials. Two of these chapters explain the theory of reinforcement and the various reinforcing nanofillers in natural rubber. Chapters 5 to 19 detail the natural rubber composites and nanocomposites with various fillers sueh as siliea, glass fibre, metal oxides, carbon black, clay, POSS and natural fibres ete. Chapters 20-26 discuss the major characterisation techniques and the final ehapter covers the applications of natural rubber composites and nanoeomposites. By covering recent developments as well as the future uses of rubber, this volume will be a standard reference for scientists and researchers in the field of polymer chemistry for many years to come. 

Rubbers in many applications need the support of, or reinforcement by, a variety of materials ranging from fibres to metals. To ensure optimisation of the properties from these composites it is necessary to ensure that the optimum adhesion levels are achieved, both initially and to be maintained throughout the service life of the products. Rubbers are bonded to a variety of substrates in many products, in numerous applications, to meet the needs of the modern world. 

Many rubber products are reinforced with metallic or synthetic fibres to increase the strength of the product. Effective adhesion of the rubber to the reinforcing material is critical for good service life and safe performance. If the adhesive bond fails, a weak point will result, causing premature failure. In belts, fabric reinforcement is used to support the wear area for improved abrasion resistance. Again, good adhesion is necessary for the fabric to function effectively in this capacity. 

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