Thermal Degradation of Short Nylon-6 Fiber–Reinforced Styrene Butadiene Rubber Composite

ABSTRACT The thermal properties of short Nylon-6 fiber–reinforced Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites were studied by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The effect of epoxy-based bonding agent on thermal degradation of the gum and the composites was also studied. The thermal stability of the SBR was enhanced in the presence of Nylon-6 fibers and the stability of the composites increased in the presence of bonding agent. The epoxy resin did not significantly change the thermal stability of SBR gum vulcanizate. Results of kinetic studies showed that the degradation of SBR and the short nylon fiber–reinforced composites with and without bonding agents followed first-order kinetics.