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.