Dynamic Vulcanization and Voids Content of Low-Density Polyethene/Natural Rubber Filled Coir Fibre Composites
1Mohammed Abdullahi Baba*, 1Mohammed Kabir Yakubu, 1Umaru S. Ishiaku,
1Abdullahi Adamu Kogo, 1Usman A. Busuguma & 2Aminu Sabo Musa
1Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
2Department of Textile Technology, Kano State Polytechnic, Kano
Email: mohammedbaba700@gmail.com
Corresponding Author: Mohammed Abdullahi Baba
ABSTRACT
The study was aimed to determine the effect of dynamic vulcanization on density and voids content of low density polyethene/natural rubber filled with coir fibre (CF) at different percentage loadings. The voids contents were determined from the values of theoretical and experimental densities of non vulcanized LDPE/NR composites and their corresponding vulcanizates. The dynamically vulcanized composites have recorded higher densities than the non-vulcanized ones. This could be due to the cross
linkage formed during vulcanization resulted into high compactness of the materials. Generally, higher percentage voids contents were recorded with increase in fibre content, with the exception of composite loaded with 40% CF. The decline signifies better interaction and interfacial adhesion between CF and the matrix at the respective fibre loading as supported by SEM. Keywords: Coir fibre, composites, natural rubber, dynamic vulcanization, density, voids
