Effect of particulate fillers on short jute fiber‐reinforced natural rubber composites

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Abstract
The effect of carbon black on the processing characteristics and physical properties of jute fiber‐reinforced composites and the role of silica and carbon black in promoting the adhesion between jute fiber and natural rubber have been studied. It was found that presence of silica is not essential to develop adhesion between fiber and rubber in the presence of carbon black. However, silica and carbon black can improve adhesion by minimizing the resin formation and controlling it to a low molecular weight species. Processing properties like green strength and mill shrinkage are improved by the addition of fiber. Carbon black does not affect mill shrinkage, but improves the green strength. Breakage of jute fiber during mixing is severe, but the extent of breakage is not affected by the presence of carbon black. The minimum loading of fiber to achieve reinforcement is reduced in the presence of carbon black. It was also found that the presence of clay in jute fiber rubber composites impairs the properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has been used to assess the failure criteria.