Abstract
The bursting properties under various conditions were investigated to ascertain the optimum conditions to yield the best properties. Fiber aspect ratio (AR: length of fiber/diameter of fiber), interphase condition and fiber content were considered as variables which impact the bursting pressure, bulge constant, torsional rigidity ratio. The bursting pressure of reinforced rubber increases up to 8.73 times compared to the virgin material. The better interphase condition shows the higher bursting pressure at given AR and fiber content. The bulge constant and torsional rigidity highly decrease with increasing AR and better interphase condition at same fiber content. The bulge constant and torsional rigidity reveal the minimum of 11% and 0.6% of the matrix, respectively. The bursted shape after test shows the different patterns between unfilled and reinforced rubbers. The case of virgin rubber shows a radiating shape while that of reinforced rubber shows a fluctuating straight line. Overall, it was found that the fiber AR and interphase condition have an important effect on bursting properties.