Reinforcement of thermoplastics natural rubber composite with liquid epoxidized natural rubber treated torch ginger fiber
Nur Khairul Nabila Kamaruddin1, Ibrahim Abdullah2, Ishak Ahmad3.
Effects of coating torch ginger fiber (TGF) with liquid epoxidized natural rubber (LENR) as a
compatibilizer for TGF and natural rubber, and linear low polyethylene (NR/LLDPE) composite
were investigated. LENR coated TGF reinforced NR/LLDPE composites were prepared by
incorporation of 10% loading of TGF with the variation of LENR coating. Pre-treatment of TGF
using 4% NaOH was done to expose more hydroxyl groups on TGF surface before coating with
LENR to improve the adhesion between LENR and TGF. The scanning electron microscope
(SEM) micrograph of TGF surface showed the LENR coated on the pre-treated TGF surface was
homogeneous. The mechanical properties of TGF reinforced thermoplastic natural rubber were
found to increase when TGF was treated with 4% NaOH followed by 5% LENR coating. Effects
of TGF treatment on the rheological behavior of composites showed an increase in the adhesion
of LENR treated TGF. SEM micrograph of the tensile fractured surface showed good interfacial
interaction between NR/LLDPE matrix and 5% LENR coated TGF compared to untreated and
NaOH treated TGF.
Affiliation:
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
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