Effect of palm oil fatty acid additive (POFA) on curing characteristics, mechanical and morphological properties of silica filled natural rubber/recycle rubber powder blends

• Published in: Progress in rubber, plastics and recycling technology Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 105 - 116
• Main Authors: ISMAIL, Hanafi, NORDIN, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shrewsbury Rapra Technology 01-05-2004
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Polymer blends; Elastomer; Mechanical properties; Dispersant; Natural rubber; Dispersion reinforced material; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Fatty acids; Silica; Structure processing relationship; Vulcanization; Additive; Palm oil; Morphology; Recycled material
• ISSN: 1477-7606; 1478-2413
• DOI: 10.1177/147776060402000201

The effect of palm oil fatty acid additive (POFA) on curing characteristics, mechanical and morphological properties of silica filled natural rubber (NR)/recycle rubber powder (RRP) blends were studied. Results indicate that the presence of POFA is not only improved the cure rate of NR/RRP blends but also improved it's processability. Compared to control NR/RRP blends, the presence of POFA increased the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus and hardness of silica filled NR/RRP blends. The presence of POFA enhanced crosslink density and improved filler dispersion of silica filled NR/RRP blends which consequently increases the silica-NR/RRP interaction.