Studies on the Physicochemical and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Activated Palm Kernel Shell blended with Carbon Black filled NR Vulcanizates

Palm kernel shell was activated using chemical activation of H3PO4 and KOH. Various amounts of activated palm kernel shell (APKS) couple with carbon black (CB) and other conventional ingredients were used to produce natural rubber vulcanizates (NR vulcanizates). The NR vulcanizates were compounded on a two-row mill and tested for its physico-mechanical properties. The results for characterization of physicochemical properties carried out on APKS  were ash content (2.06%), moisture content (8.06%), %carbon (54.41%), particle size (4.00, 3.35, 2.00, 1.18mm), bulk density (0.62g/ml) and pH (5.3).The results show significant values for all, the moisture and ash content were within the recommended standard of ASTM (3-10max) and (< or =8) respectively. The filler loading concentrations CB/APKS were labeled as mixes 1 to 7. The composition of CB/APKS filler loading ratios were 30:0, 25:5, 20:10, 15:15, 10:20, 5:25, and 0:30 samples 1,2,3,4,5,6 and 7 respectively. Results obtained showed that CB/APKS filled vulcanizates exhibited improvement in the physico-mechanical properties investigated. The results obtained for CB/APKS across the samples filler loading shows that CB composition possess higher UTS, EB and rubber fatigue test while APKS filler loading composition exhibited higher hardness and young modulus. Abrasion resistance was excellent for both CB and APKS filler loading composition.Keywords: Activated Palm Kernel Shell, filler, carbon black, Chemical Activation, Natural Rubber

Enhancing the dynamic mechanical properties of thermoplastic elastomers: A study on polypropylene /natural rubber blends

The aim of this study was to investigate the modifications of the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) by incorporating elastomers, while considering the impact on its stiffness. Specifically, the research focused on determining the optimal loading of elastomer to achieve desirable properties and exploring the influence of these processes on the morphology and mechanical behavior of the prepared blends. Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) consisting of polypropylene and natural rubber (PP/NR) were prepared using a melt-mixing process, and the mechanical properties of the blends were evaluated. The stress-strain properties of the blends revealed a successful modification of PP, transforming it from a stiff and strong thermoplastic into a stiff and tough thermoplastic elastomer when 10% NR was included in the PP matrix. As the loading of NR increased, a reduction in tensile strength (TS) and modulus (E) of the blends was observed, while elongation at break (EB) increased. The flexural strength of unmodified PP was 45.9 MPa, which decreased with increasing NR loading. Similarly, the impact strength of unmodified PP was 25.8 KJ/m2, whereas the values for 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% NR inclusion were 30.8, 24.3, 20.6, and 15.2 KJ/m2, respectively. The melt flow index (MFI) of unmodified PP was 14.1 g/10 min, while the values for 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% NR inclusion were 19.4, 15.7, 11.6, and 10.2 g/10 min, respectively. The best combination of mechanical properties was observed at 10% NR inclusion in the PP matrix. The micrograph of the blends, as observed from SEM micrographs, supported the modification of PP, resulting in the production of TPE with observable adhesion sites, indicating good compatibility between the components. In a nutshell, a significant 47% increase in impact strength was achieved through the modification process

Preparation and Properties of PVC/ELNR-30 Blends

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