Preparation of polymer composite: Low natural rubber, cassava starch and palm fiber

Abstract

The objective of this present work was to the preparation of polymer composite from low grade natural rubber (LNR), cassava starch (CSt) and palm fiber by using two-roll mill and then compression molding. The surface of palm fiber with different palm fiber lengths was analyzed by SEM. The tensile strength of the LNR/CSt composite containing 10% palm fiber with <425 μm fiber length was improved by addition of the 0.5 phr K2S2O8. After addition of K2S2O8, the swelling ratio in toluene of this composite was dramatically decreased. This is due to higher interaction between polymer matrix and fiber. The highest tensile strength and lowest swelling ratio in toluene of this composite was obtained with using palm fiber of < 425 μm in length. © (2014) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.