Influence of Filler Types on Mechanical Properties and Cure Characteristics of Natural Rubber Composites

Natural rubber (NR) was reinforced with three types of filler: carbon black, calcium carbonate, and sisal fiber. NR composites were prepared on a two-roll mill. Filler content was 20 phr. Mechanical properties and cure characteristics of NR composites were studied. All NR composites had higher maximum torque than NR. NR filled with carbon black showed the highest maximum torque. However, scorch time and cure time of the NR composites were not much affected by filler types. In addition, influence of fiber treatment (alkalization) on mechanical properties and cure characteristics of sisal fiber-NR composites was investigated. Alkali treated sisal fiber-NR composite exhibited higher tensile properties and hardness than untreated sisal fiber-NR composite due to improved adhesion between the fiber and NR matrix. Moreover, alkali treated sisal fiber-NR composite had superior specific modulus and strength than NR composites filled with carbon black and calcium carbonate.