Abstract: A diaphragm article includes an elastomer body reinforced with a pulp dispersion of polyaramid fibers. The elastomer has a material composition consisting of a silicon and/or fluoro-silicon polymer. The elastomer is blended with fiber to produce a heterogenous mixture. A compression molding process is used to fabricate the diaphragm, where a composition of aramid reinforced elastomer is employed as the preform structure. The diaphragm structure provides an increased strength and stiffness threshold. One diaphragm form includes fibers oriented generally orthogonally to the central pressure axis to provide improved radial stiffness. The diaphragm construction may be augmented with fabric reinforcement to provide further improvements in durability and performance.