Effect of aluminum powder on the properties of SBR composites was studied and compared with other fillers like high abrasion furnace black (N 330) and acetylene black. Increase in hardness, tear strength and tensile strength of SBR vulcanizates followed the order N 330 black > acetylene black > aluminum powder. A marked increase in thermal conductivity was obtained with aluminum powder filled vulcanizates, which reduced the vulcanization time required for thick rubber articles and imparted uniform curing throughout the material. Use of hexamethylene tetramine-resorcinol as bonding agent, imparted better properties for the composites. Aluminum powder incorporated vulcanizates also showed good resistance towards thermal ageing.