Rubberwood sawdust filled natural rubber composites: effects of filler loading and zinc oxide content

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of rubberwood sawdust (RWS) and zinc oxide contents on mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR)/RWS composites. The curing characteristics of the composites were determined and the composites were vulcanized at 150°C for 10 min and a pressure of 1000 psi using a hot press machine. The properties of the composites such as tension, hardness and morphology were characterized. The increasing additions of RWS in range of 20-100 phr increased the minimum torque (ML), maximum torque (MH) and hardness of NR/RWS composites, but tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites decreased. Further, an increment of zinc oxide contents in range of 3-5 phr into the composites slightly affected the ML, MH, hardness and tensile properties. Therefore, the addition of zinc oxide 3 phr is recommended to achieve the properties of NR/RWS composites as well as saving cost.