Bagasse Fiber Reinforced Functionalized Ethylene Propylene Rubber Composites by Palsule Process

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study reports bagasse fiber (BGSF) reinforced chemically functionalized ethylene propylene rubber (CF-EPR) composites (BGSF/CF-EPR) by Palsule process. Esterification and hydrogen bonding between CF-EPR and BGSF imparting fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion in the composite is established by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The composites show higher mechanical properties than CF-EPR matrix that increase with increasing bagasse fiber contents in their compositions. Water absorbed wet composites show thickness swelling and lower tensile mechanical properties than respective dry composites but higher tensile mechanical properties than the dry CF-EPR. Thermal stability and degradation of the composites have been evaluated.