Mechanical Properties and Microtopography of the Polyvinyl Alcohol Chopped Fiber ( <scp>PVA</scp> ) Reinforced Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Composites ( <scp>HNBR</scp> / <scp>PVA</scp> )

ABSTRACT Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites have been created through physical blending, utilizing PVA chopped fiber as a reinforcing agent. The rheological, mechanical, and aging properties of HNBR/PVA composites were examined. Scanning electron microscopy and swelling tests were employed to investigate the interaction between HNBR and PVA chopped fibers. The results indicate that, in comparison to the pure HNBR sample, the vulcanization efficiency of the HNBR/PVA composites has been enhanced, with the optimum cure time (t90) lowered by approximately 10%, while processing safety remains unaffected. The initial tensile stress of the HNBR/PVA composites increased dramatically as the length and amount of PVA chopped fibers increased. At a dosage of 10 phr PVA3mm, the 100% tensile modulus of the HNBR/PVA composite increased by 235%, demonstrating exceptional dimensional stability. Simultaneously, the majority of the HNBR/PVA composite samples exhibited remarkable oil resistance. This research work offers systematic valuable guidelines for the advancement of PVA fiber‐reinforced rubber composites.