Effect of reinforcement surface treatment on the physico-mechanical properties of elastomeric composites

A fundamental challenge in composite materials engineering is insufficient adhesive bonding between the matrix and the filler, which significantly reduces product reliability and durability. To address this problem, chemical and physical surface modification of the filler is employed so that a strong bond can be created at the phase interface. This study examines the interaction between modified high-modulus fibers and an elastomeric matrix, specifically investigating the influence of surface treatment for basalt (BF) and carbon (CF) fabrics on the properties of elastomeric composites based on butadiene rubber. Two surface treatment methods were studied: a rubber compound solution in toluene (RCS) and Chemosil 411 adhesive. Microstructural analysis revealed that untreated samples delaminate at the BF/CF interface due to poor adhesion between the fabrics, whereas treated samples exhibit strong adhesion between the rein forcing fibers. Furthermore, the formation of a dense contact between the fibers and the elastomeric matrix was registered, which is attributed to the diffusion of rubber macromolecules during vulcanization. Mechanical testing demon strates that combined reinforcement with BF and CF increases composite strength by 4.9 times compared to the original elastomer, as this is related to effective load distribution across the fibers. While applying RCS to the fabric surface provides the highest strength, treatment with Chemosil ensures high stability in a hydraulic oil environment. Adhesion tests confirmed that Chemosil maintains the bond strength between BF and CF after hydrocarbon exposure because the adhesive layer acts as a protective barrier. However, under prolonged thermal exposure, all samples show reduced adhesive strength due to the degradation of both the polymer matrix and the adhesive layer; additionally, their hardness increases since additional cross-linking between rubber macromolecules occurs via post-vulcanization. In conclusion, the results prove that pre-treating basalt and carbon fibers with adhesives is effective for creating composites based on an elastomeric matrix and high-modulus fibers.