Abstract
Utilization of carbonized palmkernel shell as filler in natural rubber composite
Author(s): L.Ekwueme,O.Ogbobe,O.G.TenebeUtilization of carbonized palm kernel shell filled natural rubber compound was studied. Samples of the palm kernel shells were carbonized at varying temperatures (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700oC) for 3hours each and sieved through a 100µm and 150µm mesh respectively. The characterization results show that pH, iodine adsorption number and loss on ignition increase with carbonization temperature, moisture content decreases, unlike bulk density which decreases and increases with carbonization temperature. The mechanical properties of the 100µm carbonized palm kernel shell filled vulcanizates present better tensile strength, modulus at 100%, abrasion resistance, compression set, rebeound resilience and hardness as carbonization temperature increases from100 - 600oC and starts decreasing as the temperature increases >600oc while the 150µm filled vucanizates presents better Elongation at break and flex fatigue resistance.