Effects of Interphase and Short Fiber on Puncture and Burst Properties of Short-fiber Reinforced Chloroprene Rubber

The puncture and burst properties of short-fiber reinforced polychloroprene rubber under various conditions were investigated to yield the best mechanical properties. In addition to five types of interphase conditions, four types of fiber aspect ratios (AR: length of fiber/diameter of fiber) and three different fiber contents were studied for their roles in the puncture and burst properties of rubber products. Certain interphase conditions and higher fiber ARs were shown to provide higher puncture and burst stresses at a given fiber content. Since both testing methods measure biaxial properties of reinforced rubber, the relation between the two properties is studied. The discrepancy between regressed puncture and burst force is explained based upon the rubber stiffness due to reinforcing parameters and the stress concentration upon sharp edge. Overall, it was found that the interphase condition, fiber AR, and fiber content have an important effect upon puncture and burst properties.