TENSILE PROPERTIES OF THERMOPLASTIC NATURAL RUBBER COMPOSITES FILLED RICE HUSK

摘要

The tensile properties of thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) composite filled rice husk have been investigated. In this studies TPNR. In this studies TPNR are prepared by blending natural rubber with high-density polyethylene (NR/HDPE: 70/30) using melt blending method with Liquid Natural Rubber (LNR) as a compatibilizer. The optimum processing conditions were obtained at 50 rpm of the rotor speed, 13 minutes processing time at 140 ℃. The incorporation of rice husk up to 25 % vol. has increased Young's Modulus but decreased tensile strength and strain of the composites. Silane coupling agent was added to improve interfacial interaction between the filler and matrix. The addition of 1.5 % vol. silane has improved slightly tensile strength up to 4 % and Young's modulus at about 3 %.