The effects of filler loading and vulcanisation system on properties of oil palm wood flour-natural rubber composites

The effects of oil palm wood flour and vulcanization system on curing characteristics and mechanical properties of oil palm wood flour (OPWF)-natural rubber composites were studied. OPWF loading in the range of 0-50 phr and two vulcanisation systems, conventional vulcanisation (CV) and semi-efficient vulcanisation (semi-EV) were used. Increasing loading of OPWF in the rubber matrix resulted in reduction of tensile strength, tear strength and elongation at break, E-b, but increased modulus and hardness of the composites. At a similar filler loading, semi-EV composites show better properties. Swelling studies and curing characteristics indicate that the rubber-filler interaction, scorch and cure times decrease with increasing filter loading.