Study on properties of natural rubber compound using starch as filler

Abstract

Natural rubber (NR) compounds were produced using an eco-friendly material, starch (St), as a filler. Natural rubber and starch (at different concentrations) were mixed with a coupling agent, resorcinol-formaldehyde. The natural rubber/starch mixture was coagulated in a CaCl2 solution using methanol and dried in a dry oven. The starch that dispersed in the natural rubber latex was measured by particle size analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy. After co-coagulation and drying, the curing agent, vulcanization-accelerator and antioxidant were added to the mixture. The rubber was then vulcanized at the optimal temperature and time. The effect of the starch concentration on the curing characteristics and mechanical properties of the natural rubber/resorcinol-formaldehyde/starch compounds was investigated.