Green Composites from Natural Fibers and Natural Rubber: Effect of Fiber Ratio on Mechanical and Swelling Characteristics

ABSTRACT

Sisal and oil palm fibers were incorporated into a natural rubber matrix, and the influence of fiber ratio on the cure and tensile properties of hybrid fiber-reinforced natural rubber composites were analyzed. Tensile strength and modulus was found to decrease with the loading of oil palm fiber. Longitudinally oriented composites showed better mechanical properties than transversely oriented composites. Maximum torque values were found to increase with oil palm fibers content. A positive hybrid effect was observed for the tensile properties. Anisotropic swelling experiments were performed to determine the extent of fiber/matrix interaction.

KEYWORDS:

• Natural reinforcement
• composites
• natural rubber matrix
• swelling experiments