MECHANO-FLEXURE STRAIN EVALUATION OF GRADED COCONUT FILLER ON NATURAL RUBBER REINFORCEMENT

Abstract

Reinforced composites are considered as high performance materials if properly harnessed and formulated. In this study, the mechano-flexural strain properties of natural rubber filled with different preparation of coconut filler powder were comparatively evaluated. Coconut meat, shell, fibre and the modified shell and fibre via carbonisation were incorporated into natural rubber matrix and evaluated for mechanical, flexure-strain relationship and dynamic strength as proven indices for reinforcement. The morphological outlay, impact energy criteria and thermal ageing effect of modification on composites were also evaluated. Particle size range of 75µm was achieved using a 75µm mesh size sieve and treatment through carbonisation was effected at 6000C for 3 hours. The modified variants especially the carbonised fibre showed a greater performance in dynamic energy resistance, mechanical properties, flexure -strain relationship and therefore reinforcement.