Viscoelastic properties of short-fiber-reinforced rubber composites and the role of adhesion

Viscoelastic properties of short‐fiber‐reinforced natural rubber composites have been studied as a function of temperature and at different levels of adhesion. The effect of adhesion on the viscoelastic properties of the composites has been assessed, and it is found that the increase in adhesion increases the mechanical loss per cycle and modulus. With the increase in temperature the mechanical loss and modulus drop, indicating a possible deterioration of the adhesion at higher temperatures. Presence of carbon black increases the mechanical loss but does not necessarily increase the level of adhesion. The effect of overcuring has also been studied. Complex modulus of the composites displays an exponential behavior with the increase in volume fraction of fiber.