RICE HUSK ASH FILLED NATURAL RUBBER COMPOUNDS – THE USE OF RHEOMETRIC DATA TO QUALITATIVELY ESTIMATE OPTIMUM FILLER LOADING

Abstract

White rice husk ash (WRHA) and black rice husk ash (BRHA) were incorporated as filler in natural rubber (NR) compounds. A conventional vulcanization system (CV) was chosen and cure studies were carried out on a TI-100 Curometer at 150, 160, 170 and 180°C. From the rheometric data obtained at 150°C, a specific constant related to the filler structure was evaluated that allowed predictions on how the presence of filler would affect mechanical properties such as tensile and tear resistances, and hardness. Swelling behavior and examination of the fracture surface, which was carried out on a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), were used to get some idea on the interaction between the rubber matrix and the filler. WRHA showed a good reinforcing potential for NR compounds and catalytic effect upon vulcanization.