Aging resistance and functional group analysis of natural rubber/oil palm empty fruit bunch charcoal composites

摘要

Rubber products utilization often experienced hardening and elastic power reducing. The decrease in physical properties is caused by rubber degradation due to oxidation and ozone. Oxidation is accelerated by heat, ultraviolet light, and metals that catalyze the oxidation of rubber. This study aims to determine the ageing resistance and functional groups of natural rubber composites (NR) and oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) charcoal. OPEFB used charcoal with variations loads, 15, 25, 35, 45 and 55 phr. The observation parameters were rubber vulcanization before and after aging (hardness, tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance) while functional group analysis was carried out by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy method. The aging test was conducted at 70°C for a storage period of 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours. The results of the study showed that the time of aging influences changes in the NR composite physical properties/ OPEFB charcoal. The more time to obsolete caused increased hardness and tensile strength. On the other hand, elongation at break and the abrasion resistance decreases with a longer time of aging. The NR/OPEFB charcoal composite functional group was shown in the absorption band area of 3031.20 cm~(-1) with C-H bond, vibration C=C at 1594.45 cm~(-1) and C-S bond 698.37 cm~(-1). OPEFB charcoal can be used as a filler with short- term using resistance, for rubber products that require medium tensile strength properties and can be used as alternative fillers to replace commercial fillers.