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Experimental study on particle size and filler loading reinforcement of sugarcane baggase on natural rubber compound

I.A.Okele, F.Mohammed, B.O.Agho, A.J.Marut, J.Z.Jekada

Natural rubber crumb was reinforced with sugar cane bagasse in various proportions (30g, 45g and 60g) and particle size (120µm, 150µm and 180µm). The samples obtained were evaluated for physico-mechanical properties which included tensile properties, hardness, compression set and abrasion resistance. The studies revealed that sugar cane bagasse is slightly acidic and is non- black semi-reinforcing filler when compared with the blank sample and estimated standard results of natural rubber. The abrasion test revealed that increase in filler loading reduces the abrasion resistance, i.e increases the percentage wear of the material and the higher the particle size the better the abrasion resistance as the best abrasion result was revealed at 180µm. The tensile properties revealed a better result at particle filler 18µm and for compression set, increase in filler loading showed little or no difference in the result.