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US 10,738,418 B2Granted
Methods for modification of aramid fibers
OwnerNihal Kanbargi, Alan J. Lesser +3inventors
InventorsNihal Kanbargi, Alan J. Lesser, Wei Zhao, Sheel P. Agarwal, Mindaugas Rackaitis
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Abstract
Methods are described for treatment of aramid fibers to modify the surface of the fibers. The treated fibers have improved adhesion to elastomer materials as compared to untreated fibers. Modification methods include irradiating the fibers, compressing and straining the fibers under a constant pull force and immersing the fibers in a coupling agent fluid. The treated fibers can be used with elastomers and provide reinforcement elements in products such as tires.
Claims14
A method for modifying the surface of an aramid fiber, the method comprising:
- a. contacting the aramid fiber with an acid solution to modify the surface of the aramid fiber to form a pre-treated aramid fiber;
- b. removing the aramid fiber of step (a) from the acid solution and immersing the pre-treated aramid fiber in a liquid;
- c. irradiating the immersed pre-treated aramid fiber in the liquid in a microwave oven with microwave energy for a period of at least 15 seconds at a power level of at least 60 Watts to modify the surface of the aramid fiber, wherein the irradiating forms blisters on the surface of the pre-treated aramid fiber;
- and
- d. removing the aramid fiber from the liquid.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.