Mechanical Properties of Natural Rubber Composites Reinforced With Lignin From Caryota Fibre

Carbon, silica etc are added to natural rubber as filler to improve the mechanical properties. In the present study, a natural filler lignin was incorporated into natural rubber which was coagulated by microorganism rather than conventional method of using acid and was tested for their mechanical and wear behavior. The advantages of natural fillers are their low density, renewable character and biodegradability. Lignin was extracted from a cheap source, the Caryota fibre. Lignin reinforced natural rubber composite was made by co-precipitating rubber latex with various loadings of lignin. The tensile modulus, tear strength, abrasion resistance and hardness of the composite were found to be improved. Keywords— Mechanical properties; natural rubber; lignin; Caryota fibre; composite.