Effect of Filler Dispersion on Tensile Strength and Tearing Energy of Natural Rubber (NR) Latex Films

Abstract

Fillers play important roles in enhancing mechanical properties of NR latex films. The effect of filler dispersion and amount of dispersing agent to the tensile strength and tearing energy of NR latex films were investigated in this study. The studies were carried out by (i) varying the amount of dispersing agent (Anchoid) added which is an anionic surfactant; and (ii) varying the speed of stirring during mixing of latex with compounding ingredients. It was observed that tensile strength and tearing energy were affected by both factors listed. In the case of NR latex film filled with 10 pphr of carbon black (Super Abrasion Furnace, SAF), the optimum stirring speed was 400 rpm and the optimum amount of surfactant was in the range of 5 to 10 % by weight. High tensile strength ranging from 29 - 31 MPa and high tearing energies ranging from 90.6 - 111.0 kJ/m2were achieved from optimization of these two factors; rendering their importance.