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Abstract:
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A series of short-isora-fiber-reinforced natural
rubber composites were prepared by the incorporation of
fibers of different lengths (6, 10, and 14 mm) at 15 phr loading
and at different concentrations (10, 20, 30, and 40 phr) with a
10 mm fiber length. Mixes were also prepared with 10 mm
long fibers treated with a 5% NaOH solution. The vulcanization
parameters, processability, and stress-strain properties
of these composites were analyzed. Properties such as tensile
strength, tear strength, and tensile modulus were found to be
at maximum for composites containing longitudinally oriented
fibers 10 mm in length. Mixes containing fiber loadings of 30 phr with bonding agent (resorcinol-formaldehyde [RF]
resin) showed mechanical properties superior to all other
composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies
were carried out to investigate the fiber surface morphology,
fiber pullout, and fiber-rubber interface. SEM studies showed
that the bonding between the fiber and rubber was improved
with treated fibers and with the use of bonding agent. |