Carbon Black (CB)/Rice Husk Powder (RHP) Hybrid Filler-Filled Natural Rubber Composites: Effect of CB/RHP Ratio on Property of the Composites

Abstract

Carbon black (CB)/rice husk powder (RHP) hybrid filler filled natural rubber (NR) composites with various filler ratios (0/30, 5/25, 10/20, 20/10 and 30/0) were prepared. The influence of CB/RHP ratio on curing characteristics, tensile properties and fatique life of the composites was investigated. It has been found that incorporation of CB in the hybrid filler decreases the scorch time and cure time but increases maximum torque. As CB content increases, the tensile strength, modulus at 100% and 300% elongation and fatique life increase whereas the elongation at break decreases. SEM studies also reveal poor adhesion between RHP particles and NR matrix which causes inferior mechanical properties.

Keywords:

• Carbon black
• Composites
• Hybrid
• Natural rubber
• Rice husk powder

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The scholarship granted by Mahasarakham University, Thailand to one of us (Supalak Attharangsan) is gratefully acknowledged. The authors also wish to thank the School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) for the use of research facilities.