Mechanical property evaluation of natural rubber/ vein graphite composites

Abstract

Vein graphite filled natural rubber composites were prepared by keeping the total weight of composites constant in each using suitable dispersant, accelerators, and coagulants to use in high-end applications. All the composites were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The tensile properties, Young’s modulus and hardness of the composites were evaluated. XRD and FTIR analysis verified the presence of rubber and graphite in the composites without any noticeable structural changes. The SEM image of composites showed a uniform homogeneous surface of the composites. High tensile strength was observed at 10% of graphite incorporation in natural rubber. Young’s moduli and hardness of composites were observed to be improved with the addition of the dispersed graphite. The hardness of the composites increases with increasing graphite in the composite and optimized at 60% of graphite. The properties of natural rubber/graphite investigated in the present study is useful for many applications including electronic devices, aerospace, automobiles, toys, heavy equipment industry, battery, consumer products, etc.