ABSTRACT
This chapter covers the reinforcement of soft rubber matrices with short cellulose fibers. It focuses on the relationships of processing to structure and consequently to its effect on mechanical properties. The three most important structural parameters comprising fiber orientation, length, and degree of dispersion are considered. The first of these, fiber orientation, is determined predominantly by the geometry and flow in the forming operation used to produce the final part. On the other hand, the other two derive from an interaction of the material with the mixing process. Following some introductory remarks and a review of recent literature on short fiber-rubber composites, emphasis will be given to the effects of compounding on fiber length and dispersion and the resulting mechanical properties.
