Viscoelastic and thermal properties of woven-sisal-fabric-reinforced natural-rubber biocomposites

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 117; no. 1; pp. 614 - 621
• Main Authors: Jacob, Maya, Jose, Jesmy, Jose, Seno, Varughese, K.T, Thomas, Sabu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 05.07.2010; Wiley
• Subjects: activation energy; Applied sciences; composites; Damping; Exact sciences and technology; Fabrics; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Laminates; Natural rubber; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Reinforcement; Sisal; Storage modulus; Technology of polymers; Thermal properties; Viscoelasticity; Mercerization; Viscoelasticity; Strengthening; Heat treatment; Laminate; Fiber reinforced material; Plant fiber; Organic silane; Natural rubber; Sisal; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Composite material; Thermal stability; Surface treatment; Coupling agent; Thermal properties; composites; Dynamic mechanical properties; Natural fiber; Morphology; activation energy; Woven material; Rheological properties
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.31598

Textile-rubber biocomposites were prepared by the reinforcement of natural rubber with woven sisal fabric. The viscoelastic properties of the composites were analyzed at different frequencies. Sisal fabric was subjected to different chemical modifications, such as mercerization, silanation, and thermal treatment, and the influences of the modifications on the dynamic mechanical properties were analyzed. The storage modulus was found to increase with reinforcement of natural rubber with woven sisal fabric. The chemical modification of the sisal fabric resulted in a decrease in the storage modulus. The damping factor was found to decrease with chemical treatment, and the gum compound exhibited maximum damping characteristics. The thermal stabilities of the composites were also analyzed by thermogravimetric studies. Scanning electron microscopy studies were performed to evaluate the morphology of the fabric-matrix interface.© 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010