The cure characteristics and mechanical properties of short-nylon-fiber-rein forced acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber composites with and without an epoxy resin as a bonding agent were studied. The epoxy resin was a good interfacial-bonding agent for this composite system. The minimum torque showed a marginal increase with the resin concentration. The maximum-minimum torque showed only a marginal change with the resin. The scorch time decreased with the fiber concentration and resin content. The tensile strength and abrasion resistance were improved and the tear resistance and resilience were reduced with the resin concentration. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.