Effect of coir fiber reinforcement on mechanical properties of vulcanized natural rubber composites

Abstract

In this study, the effect of coir fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of vulcanized natural rubber composite has been studied. An attempt has been made to predict the effect on tensile strength, maximum load, and elongation at break (%) of coir fiber-reinforced vulcanized natural rubber composites under cold, heat, and water aging tests. The natural rubber was vulcanized at 150°C. The fibers were soaked in a 5% solution of NaOH for 48 h at room temperature. At different temperatures, cold, heat, and water aging resistance tests were conducted to understand the behavior of the composite under different environment. The properties recorded after aging tests were compared with initial properties to investigate the effect of fiber reinforcement. The results revealed that the samples containing coir fiber showed better performance after each aging test. The specimens showed the highest properties in case of water aging resistance.