Predispersion eases mixing aramid into elastomers; Introduction.(News)(Cotton fibers used to...

Byline: S. Monthey, A.H. Johansson

Historically, cotton fibers have been used as reinforcement in a variety of rubber compounds. Because these fibers displayed relatively smooth texture, exhibited relatively low surface area, were quite pliable and had relatively low tensile strength, they were readily dispersible in elastomeric compounds using normal mixing techniques.

The advent of aramid technology has created a new breed of fibers of exceptionally high strength and surface area characterized by fibrils that could be used as reinforcing agents. These very