IMPROVEMENT OF NETWORKED NATURAL RUBBER USING CARBONIZED AND UNCARBONIZED COCONUT SHELL
Abstract
This work focuses on the use of coconut shell powder as filler in natural rubber. Coconut, one of the major food crops in the world, generates large amounts of waste material, namely coconut shell. Carbonized and uncarbonized coconut shell powder–natural rubber composites with varying particle sizes and dosages were prepared using an open mill-mixing technique. The processing characteristics and curing behavior of the composites were determined by Monsanto Rheometer. The technological performance was analyzed by evaluating tensile strength, tear strength, and hardness of the vulcanizates. The observed variation in mechanical properties was supported by fractography of the composites obtained by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD).
The results of the study show that: Coconut shell powder is an effective filler in natural rubber. Reinforcement ability of carbonized coconut shell powder is greater compared to uncarbonized powder. Carbonized coconut shell powder–natural rubber composites exhibit better physicomechanical properties. Incorporation of coconut shell powder enhances the thermal properties of the composites.
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