Short fiber reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer composites

Mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPE) reinforced with short fibers were studied. Two types of fibers were used as the discontinuous phase: an aromatic polyamide (Twaron, diameter: 12 μm) and carbon fiber (FCI 140/90‐R33—diameter: 8–10 μm). Because of processing limitations, the maximum length of both fibers, after incorporation in the composites, was reduced to 3 mm. The TPE (continuous phase) was a polyol‐polyester type [Elastollan—glass transition of short fiber segments: −42°C (1)]. Both types of composites had fiber concentration of 10, 20, and 30 phr. Component interaction is discussed, as well as the application of a third power polynomial to establish a relationship between the amount of fiber added and stress at break data. Stress‐strength, tear resistance, shore A and B hardness, abrasion resistance, and compression set tests were performed. Composites reinforced with aromatic polyamides showed higher values in most of the tests, except in the abrasion resistance test, in which a smaller material loss was observed.