Coconut‐fiber‐reinforced rubber composites

Abstract

SynopsisDifferent formulations of rubber with chopped coconut fiber (treated and untreated) as reinforcing agent were prepared. These reinforced systems were vulcanized at 153°C and the properties of the vulcanizates were studied by stress-strain, shore A hardness, and abrasion loss measurements. The bonding between the rubber and fillers were improved by the addition of bonding agents. The bonding effect of different bonding agents were compared. The reinforcing property of the treated fiber was compared with the untreated one. Aging resistance of the composites were studied. The fracture surfaces have been studied by scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) and the failure mechanism has been explained.

Natural rubber (NR) composites using cellulosic fiber reinforcements

“…Coir fiber has certain advantages over other natural fibers. It possesses high weather resistance due to its higher amount of lignin, and research has been undertaken to identify new fields of applications such as reinforcement of polymers (Geethamma et al, 1998;Rout et al, 2001;Arumugam et al, 1989). The advantages of nanocomposite materials when compared to conventional composites are their superior thermal, mechanical and barrier properties at low reinforcement levels (e.g., 5 wt%), as well as their better recyclability and transparency (Siro and Plackett, 2010).…”

“…Also the fiber can be stretched beyond its elastic limit without rupture due to the helical arrangement of micro-fibrils at 45°. Hence research has been undertaken to identify new fields of applications for coir such as reinforcement of polymers (Geethamma et al, 2005;Rout et al, 2001;Arumugam et al, 1989). The efficiency of coir as reinforcement in rubber composites can be improved by enhancing the interfacial adhesion between coir and rubber.…”

The effect of gamma radiation on the ageing of sulfur cured NR/CSM and NBR/CSM rubber blends reinforced by carbon black

“…Besides the oxidation of C=C bonds in 1,4-cis units, cis-trans the isomerization can take place. Contrary to the chain scission reactions [25], the formation of cross-links is difficult to detect by using IR spectroscopy due to the overlap of many bands in the region of C-C stretching vibrations. Researchers in the field elastomers based on polyisoprene, acrylonitrile and chlorosulphonated polyethylene rubbers [23] did not report the appearance of new bands related to these processes in the conjugated double bonds region of radiated NR/CSM and NBR/CSM FTIR spectra.…”

Mechanical Properties and Cross-Linking Density of Short Sisal Fiber Reinforced Silicone Composites

“…Natural fibers are being used in polymer composites to increase the strength and make eco-friendly to the environment (Arumugam et al 1989). Cellulose fibers are abundantly available at a lower cost and are combined with rubber to enhance the mechanical properties of rubber composites (Boustany and Arnold 1976).…”