The cure characteristics of short fiber-polyurethane elastomer
were studied with respect to different fiber-matrix bonding agents. A hexamethylenetetramine-
resorcinol -hydrated silica based bonding agent was found to affect
the stability of the composite. A new bonding agent, TP resin, based on polymeric
toluenediisocyanate and polypropylene glycol has been developed. Cure characteristics
of the composite with and without TP resin at different fiber loadings were
also compared. Minimum torque, scorch time and optimum cure time increased
with fiber content. Maximum torque was consistently higher with TP resin at all
fiber loadings.