ABSTRACT:The mechanical properties of flyash-filled natural rubber were investigated and compared with those filled with calcium carbonate. A number of composites with varying percentage of the fillers were prepared using a two-roll mill and molded on compression molding press. Specimens were subjected to mechanical testing. The properties studied were tensile strength, modulus at various elongations, hardness, density, etc. From the results it was observed that flyash-filled composites were better in mechanical properties compared to those filled with calcium carbonate.

Incorporation of fillers in elastomers results in a profound effect on mechanical properties of the composites formed. Significant study has been carried out on this topic. Fillers are customarily classified into organic and inorganic. The latter class includes calcium carbonate, talc, barium sulphate, china clay (kaolin), magnesium oxide, alumina, silica, etc. Flyash, a waste product of thermal power stations contains inorganic oxides, hence, it was thought that it could be used as filler for elastomers. Flyash is generated in huge quantities ORDER REPRINTS a filler in elastomer (polybutadiene rubber). The composites were prepared with various percentages of flyash and were subjected to testing for mechanical properties. The results were compared with the composites containing conventional fillers, i.e., calcium carbonate and talc. The results indicated that flyash could be used as a filler or as a supporting filler. The relevance of this study could help in solving the problem of disposal of flyash and, at the same time, the polymer industry will benefit by identifying an economical filler.

Flyash as waste mineral product was studied to use as a filler. The possibility of partial replacement of active filler (carbon black) by cheaper product (flyash) was investigated. The physico-mechanical properties of SBR composites with constant content of carbon black and varying content of flyash have been studied. It was found that small addition of carbon black exhibited an effective increase in activity of flyash as filler. The results showed that flyash could be utilized for partial replacement of conventional fillers.