Title : Utilization of natural rubber with untreated acacia cassia powder particle reinforced composite materials
Abstract:
Fibers derived from natural sources have recently gained widespread popularity. Natural fibres are preferred because they achieve the desired biodegradability, low cost, ease of acquisition, and gliding strength-to-weight ratio all at once. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential composites of using a powder made from Acacia Caesia fibres as filler and reinforced in natural rubber. As a large genus of shrubs and trees, Acacia belongs to the Fabaceae family of plants, specifically the Mimosoideae subfamily. These plants are more commonly referred to as wattles or acacias. Particles of acacia caesia fibre, also known as powder, are used in ayurvedic medicine to treat skin conditions and, by extension, in the beauty industry. Particles were separated from the untreated acacia caesia fibre using a ball milling process, and their size distribution was characterised using a particle analyzer (Shimadzu SALD - 2300). Additionally, the functional groups of the material were determined using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), which analyses the sample's absorbance of infrared light at different wave lengths. Using a two-roll mill-mixing technique, created a composite sheet using untreated acacia caesia powder particles and natural rubber. The processing characteristics of the composites, as well as their curing behaviour, can be determined with the help of the Monsanto Rheometer. Mechanical and hardness characterization of acacia caesia powder particles reinforced with natural rubber composites were determined using a range of filler weight contents (3.33, 5, 6.67, 8.33, and 10%) in accordance with ASTM standards. The results of this study showed that the tensile strength of samples with 3.3 wt.% was the highest, that samples with 10 wt.% offered a slight improvement in tear strength, and that samples with 8.33 wt.% offered the best hardness. Scanning electron microscopy was utilised in order to investigate the composite tensile fracture surfaces in order to identify the failure criteria (SEM). According to the findings, it is abundantly clear that the Acacia caesia fibre particle may one day be utilised in the future to enhance the strength of environmentally friendly composites.
Keywords: Untreated acacia caesia powder particle, Natural rubber, Two roll mill, Tensile, Hardness, Rubber composites.
