Characterization of fique fibers and evaluation of mechanical properties, abrasive wear resistance, and processability of NR/SBR/BR-fique fibers composites.

In this work, fique fibers used in Colombia’s footwear industry were characterized, functionalized, and added to a natural rubber/butadiene styrene rubber/polybutadiene (NR/SBR/BR) matrix. The morphological analysis of the fibers revealed a preferential orientation with formation of thin layers. The mixing of the composites was carried out in an open roll mill. Curing properties of the compounds were measured by using a moving disk rheometer to establish the effect of the fibers addition in the vulcanization parameters. Abrasive wear resistance, mechanical, and aging properties were evaluated. Processing conditions feasible to obtain NR/SBR/BR-fique fibers composites for commercial applications with suitable mechanical properties were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]