Abstract
Silica has been used as reinforcing filler in natural rubber for a period of time as it results in excellent properties for NR vulcanizes. Rice husk ash (RHA), bagasse ash (BA), and oil palm ash (OPA) obtained from agricultural wastes are mainly composed of silica in the percentage of 80.00%, 57.33%, and 40.20% by weight, respectively. The effect of these fillers on cure characteristics and mechanical properties of natural rubber materials at fixed silica content at 35 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) were investigated. The results indicated that ashes showed greater cure time compared to that of the silica. The incorporation of ashes into natural rubber gradually improved compression set but significantly decreased tensile strength, elongation at break, and resilience. Moreover, young's modulus increased, while hardness showed no significant change with the addition of ashes. Overall results indicated that ashes could be used as cheaper fillers for natural rubber materials where improved mechanical properties were not critical.
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