Development of Papyrus Fiber Reinforced Natural Rubber Composite for Shoe Sole

Fully biodegradable, green composites were fabricated with papyrus fibers and natural rubber. Papyrus fiber was extracted from the Cyprus papyrus plant using enzymatic degradation. The fiber was characterized for its physical, mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. Papyrus fiber reinforced natural rubber composite (PNRc) soles were prepared by compression molding using three levels of fiber loading and fiber length. Pure natural rubber sole was used as a control sample. Prepared samples were characterized for their flex resistance, tensile strength, abrasion resistance, density, and hardness using ISO standards. Further investigation was done for thermal resistance, water absorbency, and surface morphology. Results revealed that papyrus fiber reinforced natural rubber composite exhibited optimum hardness which increased by 18.70% than that of pure rubber. Flexural resistance improved by 20%. TGA result showed that the thermal stability of the sole has been enhanced due to the presence of papyrus fiber. Optimal fiber volume and fiber length was found to be 16.5% and 10 mm respectively with curing temperature 110 degrees C, pressure 150 Kpa, and time 4 minutes. The study showed promising results in fulfilling outsole standards, which implies these composite could be an alternative solution for the footwear industry.