Effects of compatibilizer type and fiber loading on mechanical properties and cure characteristics of sisal fiber/natural rubber composites

In this study, properties of natural rubber (NR) were enhanced by adding sisal fiber, which is a tropical plant in Thailand. Sisal fiber/natural rubber composites were prepared by the incorporation of sisal fiber at various loadings into natural rubber. Natural rubber grafted with maleic anhydride (NR-g-MA) prepared in house and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR50) were used to enhance the compatibility between sisal fiber and natural rubber. With...