Fabrication methods for latex-based elastomer composites reinforced with long discontinuous fibers

Rubber‐ or elastomer‐based composites have so far been reinforced with randomly dispersed staple fibers of very short lengths. In this work, methods have been devised to produce composites where the dispersed fibers have considerably greater lengths. This achievement was possible by applying the rubber or elastomer as latex when mixing it with the fibers. As compared with earlier processes, the viscosity is considerably lower, thus permitting easier mixing so that longer staple fibers can readily be used.