Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Chloroprene–Aramid Fiber Composites via ZnO Surface Modification 


Vol. 27,  No. 2, pp. 941-952, Feb.  2026
10.1007/s12221-025-01262-y


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  Abstract

In this study, composite sheets with enhanced tensile properties and thermal stability were fabricated by combining aramid and chloroprene rubber to explore their synergistic effects. Aramid materials, well known for their heat resistance, chemical stability, dimensional stability, and mechanical durability, were selected in two structural forms: Technora®-based aramid nanofibers and nonwoven fabrics. These materials offer high-strength-to-weight ratios and excellent thermal endurance, making them suitable for high-performance composite reinforcement. To enhance compatibility with the rubber matrix and promote interfacial bonding, the aramid surfaces were modified by coating them with zinc oxide nanoparticles through a simple surface treatment process. Chloroprene rubber, prepared in both solid-chip and molten forms, was used as the matrix for composites reinforced with short fibers and nonwoven fiber fabrics. The tensile strength of a sheet composite made from chip-shaped rubber and ZnO-modified copolymerized aramid nanofibers increased from 9.8 MPa (cross-linked chloroprene rubber) to 13.36 MPa. Moreover, the tensile strength of composite sheets fabricated from rubber melts and ZnO-modified copolymerized aramid nonwoven fabrics improved from 30.4 MPa (unmodified copolymerized aramid nonwoven fabric) to 48.1 MPa. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed excellent thermal stability, with 75.4% residual weight retained at 500 °C, indicating that the composite structure was thermally robust and resistant to decomposition under elevated temperatures.

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  Cite this article

[IEEE Style]

G. Jeong, G. Park, H. Kim, M. Choi, J. Koo, "Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Chloroprene–Aramid Fiber Composites via ZnO Surface Modification," Fibers and Polymers, vol. 27, no. 2, pp. 941-952, 2026. DOI: 10.1007/s12221-025-01262-y.

[ACM Style]

Gayeon Jeong, Garam Park, Hyeri Kim, Myeongchan Choi, and Jaseung Koo. 2026. Enhanced Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Chloroprene–Aramid Fiber Composites via ZnO Surface Modification. Fibers and Polymers, 27, 2, (2026), 941-952. DOI: 10.1007/s12221-025-01262-y.

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