Effect of kenaf fibres on the properties of natural rubber vulcanizates

The mechanical properties and swelling behaviour of natural rubber (NR) vul canizates loaded with kenaf fibres were studied using (hydrated silica, res orcinol and hexamethylene tetramine) as the adhesion system and compared wi th those of NR vulcanizates loaded with synthetic polyester short fibres (v iscose). The effect of fibre content on the afore mentioned mechanical properties of NR vulcanizates was also studied before and after ageing. The kenaf fibres showed a higher reinforcing effect than that of synthetic polyester fibres and improved the rheological properties. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the surface texture of unreinforced and reinforced vulc anizates.