Cure characteristics, mechanical properties, and morphological studies of linoleum flour-filled NBR compounds

The effects of the content and size of the filler on the curing characteristics and mechanical properties of linoleum flour-reinforced acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) composites are analyzed. The linoleum flour was obtained from wastes of linoleum production. The effects of this filler are compared with those of two other kinds of lignocellulosic fillers. Four filler percentages (10, 20, 30 and 40 phr) were added to the rubber. The morphology of the fillers was studied and then related to the curing and mechanical characteristics of the studied compounds. The results indicate that all the fillers behave as vulcanizing agents, accelerating the vulcanization process, which is reflected in a significant decrease of the optimum cure time. In this case, linoleum is the most effective one; however, it produces lower mechanical properties than the other two systems. The results obtained together with the positive environmental impact in the recycling of production wastes would justify the use of linoleum flour in rubber technology.