MODIFICATION, CHARACTERISATION AND APPLICATION OF COCONUT WASTES AS FILLERS IN RUBBER COMPOUNDING

📄 Project Abstract

In this study, coconut palm wastes were obtained, washed to remove sands and debris and then dried at 95oC for 1 hr to remove surface moisture. Filler modifications through carbonisation were done at varying temperatures of 300oC, 400oC, 500oC, 600oC and 700oC. Both raw fillers and carbonised fillers were ground to achieve 100 m particle sizes, after which they were characterised. Formulations were appropriately drawn for the mixing and compounding process. Rheological determination and flow properties were evaluated. Physico-mechanical measurement of hardness, abrasion resistance index, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus and elongation at break to ascertain composites reinforcement levels were also carried out. All measurements were according to American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Furthermore, qualitative assessments of modification levels were estimated using Fourier infrared spectroscopic studies (FTIR), X-ray diffraction anal...