The Effects of Filler Loading and a Silane Coupling Agent on the Dynamic Properties and Swelling Behaviour of Bamboo Filled Natural Rubber Compounds

Abstract

The effects of filler loading and a silane coupling agent, bis (triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulphide, Si69 on the dynamic properties and swelling behaviour of bamboo fibre filled natural rubber composites were studied. The dynamic properties such as minimum elastic torque, S′ @ ML, maximum elastic torque, S′ @ MH, tan δ @ MH and maximum viscous torque, S″ @ MH increased with increasing filler loading. However, the presence of a silane coupling agent, Si69 showed beneficial effects by reducing the S′ @ ML, tan δ @ MH and S″ @ MH. Swelling studies also indicated that Si69 can be used to reduce the water absorption of the composites.