Polymer matrix composite pushrod

A pushrod comprising:

• a composite rod having first and second ends and first and second end portions and has a length defined by first and second end portions and a remainder portion, each of the end portions and the remainder portion having an outside diameter and outside surface comprising a thermosetting polymer matrix and reinforcing fibers within the polymer matrix;
• an annular collar affixed over each end portion of the composite rod, the annular collars each having an outside surface and an outside diameter;
• and
• the diameters of the end portions of the composite rod are such that the outside diameters of the annular collars are substantially the same as the outside diameter of the remainder of the composite rod;
• and
• an endcap affixed at each end of the composite rod, wherein the fibers are selected from the group consisting of those fibers which comprise polycrystalline ceramics, boron, silicon carbide, aromatic polyamides, and combinations of such fibers.