| Abstract: | Short fibers of natural cellulose treated to provide dispersability and strong interfacial bonding are ideal reinforcements for plasticized vinyl compounds. The development of substantial strength and stiffness in unidirectional composites indicates the reinforcing potential of these high aspect-ratio fibers in soft compositions. Special extrusion dies developed to control fiber directionality in rubber extrudates are equally applicable to vinyl hose. The unusual expanding geometry of these tools aligns the fibers toward the circumferential direction to provide optimum reinforcement against contained pressure loading. Thus, reinforced poly(vinyl chloride) air and water hoses can be produced in a single extrusion step, since all of the necessary reinforcement is contained in the compound. |
