Abstract
The use of mineral fillers in rubber industry has been increasingly focused. Sepiolite is considered as one of the mineral fillers that exploits unique characteristics. This is due to its unique needle-like fibrous and a tunnel-like micro-pore channel structures. Therefore, adding this filler in natural rubber (NR) matrix would bring tremendous advantage. The study was carried out in the form of curing characteristics, tensile properties and morphology together with the dynamic properties. Filling sepiolite to NR has brought to a noticeable enhancement of curing characteristics, tensile properties and morphology. This is contributed to the distinctive structure of sepiolite itself, it provides a better dispersion to the NR. Surface roughness of the composites is visibly found which is responsible for the mechanical properties. Further verification was also monitored through the dynamic properties of the composites. The obtained profiles are in good agreement to the tensile properties and morphological characteristics observed.
Highlights
IntroductionIt cannot be denied that filler has become the main ingredient after the rubber matrix
In manufacturing rubber products, it cannot be denied that filler has become the main ingredient after the rubber matrix
Sepiolite could replace the addition of white fillers such as silica, clay and calcium carbonate without requiring the addition of silane coupling agent which is considered the complicated and costly methods
Summary
It cannot be denied that filler has become the main ingredient after the rubber matrix. Filler has been incorporated to rubber to encounter many purposes, e.g., to improve the mechanical performance, service life and even to cheapen the manufacturing cost[1]. Filler is classified based on its own performance; the reinforcing filler is recommended when high strength is essential. Non-reinforcing filler is needed when the cost is mainly concerned[2]. There is a number of fillers used in compounding rubber composites[3,4,5]. The most common fillers used in rubber industries are conventional carbon black and silica. High energy consumption is usually required for production of these fillers. Searching other alternative fillers is of great interest and various possibilities for combining rubber and filler remains largely unexplored
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