Mechanical Properties, Morphological Properties, and Cure Characteristics of Sisal Fiber/Natural Rubber Composites: Effects of Fiber and Compatibilizer Content

Sisal fiber/natural rubber (NR) composites were prepared by the incorporation of sisal fiber into NR at various content (10, 20, 30 phr) using a two-roll mill. Natural rubber grafted with maleic anhydride (NR-g-MA) prepared in house was used to improve interfacial adhesion between sisal fiber and NR matrix. NR-g-MA contents were varied. Mechanical properties, morphologies, and cure characteristics of the composites were studied. Maximum torque, modulus at 100% strain (M100), modulus at 300% strain (M300), and hardness of the composites increased with increasing fiber content while scorch time, cure time, tensile strength, and elongation at break decreased. The addition of NR-g-MA into the composites gave a positive impact on M100, M300, tensile strength, and hardness. Moreover, increasing NR-g-MA content resulted in increased scorch time, cure time, maximum torque, M100, M300, tensile strength, and hardness of the composites. SEM micrographs of the composites revealed that the addition of NR-g-MA into the composites improved the interfacial interaction between sisal fiber and NR matrix. In addition, the compatibilized NR composites exhibited higher specific tensile strength and modulus than the carbon black/NR composites.