Development and Characterization of Banana and Sisal Fiber Reinforced Natural Rubber Composites

Abstract

In this Research work, Natural Rubber (NR) composites reinforced with 40% volume fraction short random oriented Banana Fibers (BF), Sisal Fibers (SF) and Hybrid (Hyb) of the newlinetwo fibers, with Coconut Shell Powder (CSP) as filler material and also Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) composites reinforced with 40% v/v/ long unidirectional BF, SF and Hyb of the newlinetwo fibers are fabricated and characterized for its mechanical properties. Fibers used are newlinealso subjected to chemical surface modifications like raw fibers, alkalized fibers, rubber preimpregnated raw fibers and rubber pre-impregnated alkalized fibers. In addition to this CSP newlinewas also added to few samples to study its influence on rubber composites. The mechanical behavior of the developed composites like tensile strength, tear strength, hardness, wear newlineresistance and compressive strength are characterized. newlineNatural eco-friendly and renewable materials have become a necessity in the design newlineand development of the contemporary Engineering and Industrial products and components, newlinedue to its low cost, large availability as agricultural byproduct, biodegradable nature, nontoxic and above all the easiness for processing. They are effectively replacing many synthetic newlinefibers and materials currently used in product development, as these materials pose a serious newlinethreat to the environment and humankind due to their toxic and nonbiodegradable nature and newlinetheir waste disposal has becoming a major environmental concern. Synthetic fibers are also newlineexpensive to make as it requires machinery and skilled labor etc. Many countries including newlineIndia have imposed a ban on the unlimited use of plastic and plastic products, as they pose newlinea grave threat to the environment and biological cycle. The Banana stem fibers and Sisal newlineleaf fibers are chosen as reinforcement for NR Composites in this work because of its good newlinespecific properties like tensile strength, abrasion resistance, economic and large availability. newline newline