LAUSR

This paper details a new method for improving the interfacial bonding between PA66 short fiber (PSF) and natural rubber (NR) by reaction of the methacrylic acid (MAA)-grafting-modified PSF with rubber during vulcanization. Carbon-carbon double bonds introduced to the SF surface by MAA grafting were opened, and a vulcanization reaction occurred between the modified PSF and rubber in the presence of sulfur. The chemical reactions were verified by FTIR and XPS. The processing rheological behaviors of the compounded composites were investigated by a rubber processing analyzer (RPA). The morphology of modified PSF was characterized by AFM and SEM. The improved interfacial bonding was confirmed by DMA, which enhanced deformational stress at definite elongation of the NR/PSF composites. The volume concentration of the MAA solution for grafting on the SF surface had a great influence on the interfacial bonding and mechanical properties of the composites; when the volume concentration was 30 %, the modified PSF-reinforced NR/CB had the best interfacial bonding and mechanical properties.