OIL PALM FIBER-REINFORCED RUBBER COMPOSITE - EFFECTS OF CONCENTRATIONAND MODIFICATION OF FIBER SURFACE

The effects of concentration and modification of fibre surface in oil palm fibre-reinforced rubber composites have been studied. Modificatio n of the fibre surface increased the physical properties of the rubber composites. Increasing concentration of oil palm fibre in the rubber matrix resulted in reduction of tensile strength properties and tear s trength, but increased modulus and hardness of the composites. Scannin g electron micrograph studies showed that for rubber composites filled with untreated fibre, the adhesion between the fibre and matrix is po or, while for treated fibre improved adhesion between the fibre and ru bber matrix is evident.