Physical Properties of Natural Rubber Foam Reinforced with Borassus Fruit Fiber

Abstract

This research was to study the optimal conditions effect of surface treatment of Borassus Fruit Fiber and effect of content of this fiber on the development of natural rubber foam reinforced Borassus fruit fiber composites.  The first section, used sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution treatment.  The concentrations of NaOH were varied 0  5  10 and 20 % w/v, respectively.  The treatment time as 1 h.  The suitable condition for surface treatment was evaluated by fiber length and diameter (L/D) ratio and morphology of natural fiber by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).  The result shown as the L/D ratio trended to increase when concentrations of NaOH solution increased.  However, the 20%w/v of NaOH effect to brittle fiber.  Therefore, the optimal NaOH concentration 10% w/v for treatment.  The cell size of rubber foam composite decreased when increased fiber contents.  A density of natural rubber composites foam increased with increasing this fiber content.