Properties of Ferrite-Filled Natural Rubber Composites

Nickel zinc ferrite (Ni-ZnFe₂O₄)-filled natural rubber (NR) composite was prepared at various loading of ferrite. The tensile properties included in this study were tensile strength, tensile modulus and elongation at break. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites increased up to 40 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of ferrite and then decreased at higher loading whereas the tensile modulus was increased gradually with increasing of ferrite loading. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the wettability of filler in rubber matrix. From the observation, the increase of filler loading reduced the wettability of the filler. Thermal stability of the composites was conducted by using a thermogravimetry analyser (TGA). The incorporation of ferrite in NR composites enhanced the thermal stability of NR composites. The swelling test results indicate that the swelling percentage of the composites decreased by increasing of ferrite loading. The initial permeability, μ_i and quality factor, Q of magnetic properties of NR composites achieved maximum value at 60 phr of ferrite loading for frequency range between 5000–40,000 kHz. The maximum impedance, Z _max of the NR composites was at the highest value at 80 phr ferrite loading for frequency range between 200–800 MHz.     

The Effect of Rice Husk Powder on Standard Malaysian Natural Rubber Grade L (SMR L) and Epoxidized Natural Rubber (ENR 50) Composites

The effects of rice husk powder (RHP) loading and two types of natural rubber matrix (SMR L and ENR 50) on curing characteristics and mechanical properties were studied. The scorch time and cure time decreased with increasing RHP loading whereas maximum torque showed an increasing trend. SMR L composites possessed longer scorch time and cure time than ENR 50 composites. Incorporation of RHP into both rubbers improved tensile modulus significantly but decreased tensile strength and elongation at break. SMR L composites exhibited the lower tensile modulus and higher tensile strength and elongation at break than ENR 50 composites.     

Oil palm wood flour filled natural rubber composites: fatigue and hysteresis behaviour

The fatigue and hysteresis behaviour of oil palm wood flour (OPWF) filled natural rubber composites was studied. The stress at any strain decreased with increasing OPWF loading in the composites. As the filler loading increased, the poor wetting of the OPWF by the rubber matrix gave rise to poor interfacial adhesion between the filler and rubber matrix. Results also indicate that the composite with the highest loading of OPWF was the most sensitive towards changes in strain energy, and hence exhibited the highest hysteresis. Thermal ageing not only reduced the fatigue life, but also increased the hysteresis of the composites. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of palm ash loading and maleated natural rubber as a coupling agent on the properties of palm‐ash‐filled natural rubber composites

Natural rubber composites were prepared by the incorporation of palm ash at different loadings into a natural rubber matrix with a laboratory‐size two‐roll mill (160 × 320 mm²) maintained at 70 ± 5°C in accordance with the method described by ASTM D 3184–89. A coupling agent, maleated natural rubber (MANR), was used to improve the mechanical properties of the natural rubber composites. The results indicated that the scorch time and cure time decreased with increasing filler loading, whereas the maximum torque exhibited an increasing trend. Increasing the palm ash loading increased the tensile modulus, but the tensile strength, fatigue life, and elongation at break decreased. The rubber–filler interactions of the composites decreased with increasing filler loading. Scanning electron microscopy of the tensile fracture surfaces of the composites and rubber–filler interaction studies showed that the presence of MANR enhanced the interfacial interaction of the palm ash filler and natural rubber matrix. The presence of MANR also enhanced the tensile properties and fatigue life of palm‐ash‐filled natural rubber composites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

The Effect of Filler Loading and Epoxidation on Paper-Sludge-Filled Natural Rubber Composites

The effect of filler loading and epoxidation on curing characteristics, dynamic properties, tensile properties, morphology, and rubber-filler interactions of paper-sludge-filled natural rubber compounds have been studied. Two different types of natural rubber, SMR L and ENR 50, having 0% and 50% of epoxidation and conventional vulcanization were used. Paper sludge was used as a filler and the loading range was from 0 to 40 phr. Compounding was carried out using a laboratory-sized two-roll mill. The scorch time for both rubber compounds decreased with filler loading. The cure time was found to decrease with increasing filler content for SMR L vulcanizates, whereas for ENR 50, the cure time seemed to be independent of the filler loading. Dynamic properties, i.e., maximum elastic torque, viscous torque, and tan delta, increase with filler loading in both grades of natural rubber. Results also indicate that both rubbers show increment in tensile modulus but inverse trend for elongation at break and tensile strength. However, for a fixed filler loading, ENR 50 compounds consistently exhibit higher maximum torque, modulus at 100% elongation, and modulus at 300% elongation, but lower elongation at break than SMR L compounds. In the case of tensile strength, ENR 50 possesses higher tensile strength than SMR L at 10 to 20 phr, but the difference is quite small at 30 and 40 phr. These findings might be associated with better rubber-filler interaction between the polar hydroxyl group of cellulose fiber and the epoxy group of ENR 50.     

Curing characteristics and mechanical properties of rattan‐powder‐filled natural rubber composites as a function of filler loading and silane coupling agent

Curing characteristics, tensile properties, morphological studies of tensile fractured surfaces using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the extent of rubber filler interactions of rattan‐powder‐filled natural rubber (NR) composites were investigated as a function of filler loading and silane coupling agent (CA). NR composites were prepared by the incorporation of rattan powder at filler loading range of 0–30 phr into a NR matrix with a laboratory size two roll mill. The results indicate that in the presence of silane CA, scorch time (t_s2), and cure time (t₉₀) of rattan‐powder‐filled NR composites were shorten, while, maximum torque (M_H) increased compared with NR composites without silane CA. Tensile strength and tensile modulus of composites were enhanced whereas elongation at break reduced in the presence of silane CA mainly due to increase in rubber‐filler interaction. It is proven by SEM studies that the bonding between the filler and rubber matrix has improved. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

炭黑/煤矸石/碳纳米管复合填料体系对天然橡胶性能的影响研究*

利用硝酸氧化法对碳纳米管(CNTs)进行纯化,并用环氧天然橡胶(ENR)进行改性处理。结合胶质量分数测定结果表明, ENR用量15%(质量)时效果最佳。采用胶乳凝聚法制备CNTs/天然橡胶(NR)母料。煤矸石粉(CG)经高温煅烧和表面改性处理。 将CNTs/天然橡胶(NR)母料、CG和炭黑(CB)通过机械混炼法与天然橡胶及配合剂混合,制备CB/CG/CNTs/NR复合材料,并对复合材料进行硫化特性及物理机械性能。结果表明： CNTs延迟硫化效应明显;相比炭黑,CG对硫化具有促进作用。硫化特性和甲苯溶胀法测定结果表明,在填料份数相同的条件下,单独由CB填充的NR有最大的交联密度,CNTs对交联密度影响不明显。物理机械性能测试结果表明,当CG：CB：CNTs=17.5:16.5:1(Phr)时,NR硫化胶的300%定伸应力和扯断伸长率明显高于单独由CB填充NR,而拉伸强度与之接近,复合填料样填充NR具有较好的综合性能。扫描电镜测试结果表明,复合填料在NR基体中分布均匀。     

Oil Palm Wood Flour Filled Natural Rubber Composites: The Effects of Various Bonding Agents

Abstract

The effects of various bonding agents on curing characteristics and mechanical properties of oil palm wood flour (OPWF) filled natural rubber composites were examined. Compared to control compound the presence of various bonding agents increase the curing time, t₉₀ , maximum torque (except phenol formaldehyde(PF) and resorsinol formaldehyde(RF)/Silica(Sil)), tensile strength, tensile modulus (except PF and RF/ Sil), and hardness (except PF) but decrease the elongation at break and fatigue life of the composites. Swelling test results indicate that the presence of various bonding agents lead to stronger adhesion at the OPWF-rubber interface. Overall results indicate that RF/Sil/Hexa (Hexamethylene tetramine) is the most suitable bonding system for OPWF filled natural rubber composites.     

Mechanical and thermal behavior of styrene butadiene rubber composites reinforced with silane-treated peanut shell powder

Biocomposites of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) reinforced with silane-treated peanut shell powder (SPSP) of different filler loadings and particle sizes were prepared by two roll mixing mills with sulfur as a vulcanizing agent. The cure characteristics of composites were studied, and they vulcanized at 160 °C. Test samples were prepared by compression moulding, and their physicomechanical properties, such as tensile strength tear strength, modulus, hardness, and abrasion resistance of SBR vulcanizates, were studied with filler loading 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 parts per hundred rubber (phr). Composites with 10 phr filler having small particle size exhibited better properties. The interfacial adhesion between filler and matrix has a major role in the properties of composites. Surface modification of PSP was done by silane coupling agent to improve the interfacial adhesion and it characterised by FTIR, XRD, TGA, UV, and SEM. Better properties are shown by the composites with SPSP. Thermal stability of the composites was also determined using thermogravimetric analysis.     

Oil Palm Fibre-reinforced Rubber Composite: Effects of Concentration and Modification of Fibre Surface

The effects of concentration and modification of fibre surface in oil palm fibre-reinforced rubber composites have been studied. Modification of the fibre surface increased the physical properties of the rubber composites. Increasing concentration of oil palm fibre in the rubber matrix resulted in reduction of tensile strength properties and tear strength, but increased modulus and hardness of the composites. Scanning electron micrograph studies showed that for rubber composites filled with untreated fibre, the adhesion between the fibre and matrix is poor, while for treated fibre improved adhesion between the fibre and rubber matrix is evident. © 1997 SCI.     

Effects of Bonding Agents on the Mechanical Properties of the Composites Made of Natural Rubber and Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch

The effects of various bonding agents on natural rubber-oil palm wood flour (OPWF) composites were studied. Results indicate that the maximum torque increases with increasing OPWF loading and the incorporation of various bonding agents. Compared to the composite without a bonding agent, the incorporation of bonding agents improves the tensile modulus, tear strength, tensile strength, and hardness of the composites. Scanning electron microscopy studies and rubber-fiber interaction measurements indicate that the OPWF-rubber adhesion can be enhanced by the use of bonding agents.     

In situ dispersion and compatibilization of lignin/epoxidized natural rubber composites: reactivity,morphology and property

Lignin, a naturally occurring polymer, was viewed as a potential substitute of carbon black for reinforcing rubber materials. However, it shows no reinforcing effect if directly mixed with rubber. In this study, lignin was in situ dispersed at submicrometer size and highly compatible with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) by using a high‐temperature dynamic heat treatment (HTDHT). Rheology analysis indicated that the ring opening reaction between lignin and ENR occurred at 160°C or above, which was further confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. Due to the consumption of acidic groups of lignin by ENR, the retardant vulcanization effect of lignin was weakened. Morphology observation and dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated the perfect lignin dispersion and the strong interactions between lignin and ENR. The mechanical properties of the lignin/ENR composites were significantly improved by using HTDHT. Compared to the directly mixed rubber composites, the tensile strength and tear strength of the heat treated rubber composites filled with 40 phr lignin were increased by 114% and 23%, respectively. Especially, the 300% modulus of the heat treated rubber composite was increased by ca. 400%. X‐ray diffraction results indicated that the reinforcement of the composites originated from the presence of lignin rather than the strain‐induced crystallization of ENR. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42044.     

不同种类短纤维对天然橡胶/丁苯橡胶复合材料性能的影响

分别以尼龙66短纤维、芳纶短纤维及聚酯短纤维作为增强剂,天然橡胶（NR）和丁苯橡胶（SBR）作为基体制备了短纤维增强NR/SBR（短纤维/NR/SBR）复合材料,采用正交实验方法研究了短纤维种类、长度及用量对短纤维/NR/SBR复合材料的拉伸性能、硬度、撕裂强度的影响。结果表明,经过浸渍处理后的尼龙66短纤维与NR/SBR基体之间的结合最为紧密;浸渍处理后的尼龙66短纤维可以有效提高NR/SBR复合材料的拉伸强度,在一定范围内,随着短纤维长度和用量的增加,短纤维/NR/SBR复合材料的拉伸强度有所提高;短纤维的加入提高了NR/SBR复合材料的撕裂强度和硬度,但扯断伸长率则有所下降。     

Development and characterization of graphitic carbon nitride as nonblack filler in natural rubber composites

A new type of elastomeric composite containing natural rubber (NR) and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has been successfully prepared with the reinforced property. The reinforcing effect of g-C₃N₄ in NR composites was examined by cure, mechanical, morphological, and swelling studies. Besides, epoxidized NR with 50-mol % epoxy level (ENR-50) was used as a compatibilizer to enhance the hydrophilic g-C₃N₄ filler capacity for hydrophobic NR composites. At the same filler load level, the mechanical properties of NR/g-C₃N₄ composites, such as tensile strength and tensile modulus, were consistently increased with increased ENR-50 content. To note, the ENR compatibilized composites have shown better-reinforced performance, which has been attributed to the hydrogen bonding interactions between the uncondensed amine groups in g-C₃N₄ and the polar groups in ENR. We believe that these newly prepared NR composites based on g-C₃N₄ as nonblack filler and ENR-50 as compatibilizer can find potential applications in modern day rubber research. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 48136.     

Thermal and mechanical properties of injection moulded heat-treated oil palm empty fruit bunch fibre-reinforced high-density polyethylene composites

ABSTRACT

Oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) was heat treated at 180°C using a vacuum oven for one hour, extruded and compounded with high-density polyethylene at 10%, 20% and 30% weight fraction. The composites then were injection moulded into dumb-bell shaped specimens. The effect of composition and heat treatment on the thermal properties of composites were investigated using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The tensile and flexural properties were also tested using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. TGA shows an increase in the degradation peak temperature of the heat-treated composites. DSC revealed an increasing trend in the degree of crystallinity (X_c) of the matrix as the heat-treated empty fruit bunch was used as a filler. An increment in the tensile modulus and tensile strain were observed for the treated fibre composites. In addition, the tensile strength value was increased for treated fibre composites with lower fibre loading.     

Effect of alkali treatment on properties of unidirectional isora fibre reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract

Unidirectional isora fibre reinforced epoxy composites were prepared by compression moulding. Isora is a natural bast fibre separated from Helicteres isora plant by retting process. The effect of alkali treatment on the properties of the fibre was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), IR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus and impact strength of the composites containing untreated and alkali treated fibres have been studied as a function of fibre loading. The optimum fibre loading for tensile properties of the untreated fibre composite was found to be 49% by volume and for flexural properties the loading was optimised at ～45%. Impact strength of the composite increased with increase in fibre loading and remained constant at a fibre loading of 54·5%. Alkali treated fibre composite showed improved thermal and mechanical properties compared to untreated fibre composite. From dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) studies it was observed that the alkali treated fibre composites have higher E' and low tan δ maximum values compared to untreated fibre composites. From swelling studies in methyl ethyl ketone it was observed that the mole percentage of uptake of the solvent by the treated fibre composites is less than that by the untreated fibre composites. From these results it can be concluded that in composites containing alkalised fibres there is enhanced interfacial adhesion between the fibre and the matrix leading to better properties, compared to untreated fibre composites.     

The effect of filler content and size on the mechanical properties of polypropylene/oil palm wood flour composites

The effect of filler content and size on the mechanical properties of a new type of wood-based filler, oil palm wood flour (OPWF), in polypropylene (PP) was investigated. Four sizes of OPWF filler at different filler loadings were compounded using a twin screw compounder. All sizes of filler showed a similar trend of declining mechanical properties with increasing filler content. In terms of size, the composites filled with larger-sized filler showed higher modulus, tensile and impact strengths, particularly at high filler loadings. The OPWF used in this study was not treated with any coupling agent.     

Tensile,Tear and Swelling Properties of ENR 50/SBR Blend

Abstract

Tensile strength, tear strength and swell index of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 50) blended with styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) was studied. The blend ratio was varied from 0–100% of ENR 50. Accelerated-sulfur conventional vulcanization system was used throughout the study. Tensile property and tear strength of the blend were determined by Monsanto Tensometer (Model T10) and toluene was used as the solvent in the swell index experiment. Results show that tensile strength and elongation at break increases with ENR 50 up to about 70% ENR 50, whereas for the tear strength, it increases steadily with increasing ENR 50, an observation which is attributed to strain-induced crystallization of ENR. Similar behavior was observed with the aged sample though its absolute value is lower than that of the unaged sample. As for the swell index, it decreases gradually with increasing ENR indicating the increase in polarity of the blend as the blend ratio of ENR 50 is increased.     

Enhancement of PVC/ENR blend properties by poly(methyl acrylate) grafted oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber

Effect of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber and poly(methyl acrylate) grafted OPEFB on several mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)/epoxidized natural rubber (PVC/ENR) blends were studied. The composites were prepared by mixing the fiber and the PVC/ENR blends using HAKEE Rheomixer at the rotor speed of 50 rpm, mixing temperature 150°C, and mixing period of 20 min. The fiber loadings were varied from 0 to 30% and the effect of fiber content in the composites on their ultimate tensile strength (UTS), Young's modulus, elongation at break, flexural modulus, hardness, and impact strength were determined. An increasing trend was observed in the Young's modulus, flexural modulus, and hardness with the addition of grafted and ungrafted fiber to the PVC/ENR blends. However the impact strength, UTS, and elongation at break of the composites were found to decrease with the increase in fiber loading. An increase in elongation at break and UTS and decrease in the flexural and Young's modulus was observed with the addition of PMA‐g‐OPEFB fiber compared to ungrafted fiber. This observation indicates that grafting of PMA onto OPEFB impart some flexibility to the blend. The morphology of cryogenically fractured and tensile fracture surfaces of the composites, examined by a scanning electron microscope shows that the adhesion between the fiber and the matrix is improved upon grafting of the OPEFB fiber. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Nanosilica as dry bonding system component and as reinforcement in short nylon‐6 fiber/natural rubber composite

Nanoscale silica was synthesized by acid hydrolysis of sodium silicate using dilute hydrochloric acid under controlled conditions. The synthesized silica was characterized by SEM, BET adsorption, and XRD. The particle size of silica was calculated to be 13 nm from the XRD results and the surface area was found to be 295 m²/g by BET method. This synthesized nanosilica was used in place of conventional silica in HRH (hexamethylenetetramine, resorcinol and silica) bonding system for natural rubber/Nylon‐6 short fiber composite. Nanosilica was also used as reinforcing filler in natural rubber/Nylon‐6 short fiber hybrid composite. Mechanical, thermal, and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated. The introduction of the nanosilica in hybrid composites improved the tensile strength, modulus, and tear strength through improved interaction with the matrix which is facilitated by the higher surface area. Abrasion loss and hardness were also better for the nanosilica composites. Resilience and compression set were adversely affected. The hybrid composites showed anisotropy in mechanical properties. Peak rate of thermal decomposition decreased and temperature of initiation of thermal degradation increased with silica content, indicating improved thermal stability of the hybrid composites. The storage modulus and loss modulus showed two‐stage dependence on frequency at higher fiber loading. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009