Title : Utilization of untreated Acacia Caesia fiber particle as novel filler in natural rubber
Abstract:
In latest years, natural based fibers own a significant position worldwide. The target of utilizing natural based fibers is to be biodegradable, low cost, simple to acquire and on the similar time gliding strength to weight ratio. This work focuses on the use of powder obtained from Acacia Caesia fibers as filler in natural rubber. This Acacia, commonly known as the wattles or acacias, is a large genus of shrubs and trees in the subfamily Mimosoideae of the pea family Fabaceae. Acacia caesia fiber particle (powder) is widely available and is used for ayurvedic medicine purposes to reduce the skin issues, and therefore in the wider context of cosmetics. The acacia caesia fiber particles were extracted from the untreated acacia caesia fiber by ball milling process and the particle size distribution was characterized by particle analyzer (Shimadzu SALD – 2300), and also Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis measures a sample’s absorbance of infrared light at various wave lengths to determine the material’s functional groups of composition. Untreated acacia caesia fiber particle–natural rubber composites were prepared by two roll mill-mixing technique and developed a composite sheet by compression moulding method. The Monsanto Rheometer is used to determine the composites' processing characteristics and curing behaviour. The technological performance of mechanical and hardness characterization carried out using various amount of filler weight content, namely 3.33, 5, 6.67, 8.33 and 10% of acacia caesia fiber particles reinforced with natural rubber composites, were determined as per ASTM standards. From this work, it was found that the 3.3wt. % samples showed better tensile strength, slight improvement in tear strength was offered by 10wt. % ones, and the best hardness was yielded by the introduction of 8.33 wt. %. In order to determine the failure criteria, composite tensile fracture surfaces were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on the results, it's clear that the Acacia caesia fibre particle could be used in the future to strengthen green composites.
