Fabrication Of Activated Carbon Filled Epoxidized Natural Rubber Composite Via Solvent Casting Method.
UNIVERSITI TEKNIKAL MALAYSIA MELAKA
BORANG PENGESAHAN STATUS LAPORAN PROJEK SARJANA MUDA
TAJUK: Fabrication of Activated Carbon Filled Epoxidized Natural Rubber Via
Solvent Casting Method
SESI PENGAJIAN: 2012/13 Semester 2
Saya `AISYAH BINTI HASSAN
mengaku membenarkan Laporan PSM ini disimpan di Perpustakaan Universiti
Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) dengan syarat-syarat kegunaan seperti berikut:
1. Laporan PSM adalah hak milik Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka dan penulis.
2. Perpustakaan Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka dibenarkan membuat salinan
untuk tujuan pengajian sahaja dengan izin penulis.
3. Perpustakaan dibenarkan membuat salinan laporan PSM ini sebagai bahan
pertukaran antara institusi pengajian tinggi.
4. **Sila tandakan (√)
SULIT
TERHAD
√
(Mengandungi maklumat yang berdarjah keselamatan
atau kepentingan Malaysiasebagaimana yang termaktub
dalam AKTA RAHSIA RASMI 1972)
(Mengandungi maklumat TERHAD yang telah ditentukan
oleh organisasi/badan di mana penyelidikan dijalankan)
TIDAK TERHAD
Disahkan oleh:
Cop Rasmi:
Alamat Tetap:
No. 17 Jalan 13/62,
Bandar Menjalara,
Kepong, 52200, Kuala Lumpur
Tarikh: _________________________
Tarikh: _______________________
** Jika Laporan PSM ini SULIT atau TERHAD, sila lampirkan surat daripada pihak berkuasa/organisasi
berkenaan dengan menyatakan sekali sebab dan tempoh laporan PSM ini perlu dikelaskan sebagai
SULIT atau TERHAD.
APPROVAL
This report is submitted to the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering of UTeM
as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of
Manufacturing Engineering (Engineering Materials) (Hons.). The member of the
supervisory is as follow:
………………………………
(Dr. Mohd Asyadi `Azam Bin Mohd Abid)
DECLARATION
I hereby, declared this report entitled “Fabrication of Activated Carbon Filled
Epoxidized Natural Rubber Composite via Solvent Casting Method” is the results of
my own research except as cited in references
Signature
:
………………………………………….
Author’s Name
:
`Aisyah Binti Hassan
Date
:
14 June 2013
ABSTRAK
Disebabkan pengubahasuaian bahan dengan menggabungkan mereka dengan satu
sama lain untuk mengeksplotasi ciri-ciri yang unik di mana pelaksanaan bahan
dipertingkatkan menjadi matlamat utama untuk diketahui. Walaupun penggunaan
bahan pengisi nano selalu dilakukan, tetapi kewujudan bahan pengisi mikro mungkin
member potensi dalam komposit polimer. Maka, kajian ini berharap untuk
memfabrikasi karbon teraktif (AC) diisi epoxidized getah asli (ENR) composite
melalui kaedah pemutus pelarut dan cirri-ciri yang direka AC diisi ENR composite
dari sudut sifat mekanikal (tegangan) dan morfologi. Dalam kajian ini, komposit
polimer terdiri daripada ENR sebagai matriks dan AC sebagai pengisi di mana
pembebanan pengisi yang berbeza dalam julat 0 hingga 7 phr telah digunakan untuk
menghasilkan komposit. Selain itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji kesan AC
pada sifat-sifat mekanikal, penyebaran pengisi dan interaksi antara pengisi dan
matriks dengan menggunakan kaedah pemutus pelarut. Kesan kekurangan dan
kebaikan dari komposit telah dikenal pasti dengan menjalani pelbagai ujian seperti
ujian tegangan, ujian ketumpatan sambung silang, ujian penyerapan air dan ujian
kepadatan. Mikroskop pengimbas elektron (SEM) juga telah akan digunakan untuk
menganalisis morfologi permuakaan patah. Secara keseluruhannya, keputusan
menunjukkan peningkatan yang tinggi dari segi sifat mekanik dengan menambah AC
dalam ENR matriks tanpa pengumpalan yang jelas yang menunjukkan bahawa
pengagihan yang baik oleh pengisi dalam ENR. Oleh itu, penggunaan AC sebagai
pengisi boleh menghasilkan sifat-sifat yang sama seperti bahan karbon mahal seerti
CNT dan graphene dan dengan itu ia akan mengurangkan kos.
ABSTRACT
Owing to the modifications of materials is by combining them with one another to
exploiting their unique characteristic where the implementation of enhanced
materials being the ultimate goal to be known. Despite of often using nanofiller
materials, the existence of microfiller material may be give a potential in polymer
composite. Therefore, this research means to fabricate activated carbon (AC) filled
epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) composite through solvent casting method and to
characterize fabricated AC filled ENR composite from the view point of mechanical
(tensile) and morphological properties. In this research the polymer composite
composed of ENR as the matrix and AC as the filler where different filler loading in
the range 0 to 7 phr was used to fabricate the composites. Moreover, this research is
intended to investigate the effects of AC loading on mechanical properties, filler
dispersion and the interaction between filler and matrix by using solvent casting
method. Drawback and advantageous effects of the composite has been identified by
undergo various testing like tensile test, crosslink density test, water absorption test
and density test. Scanning electron microscopy also has been employed to analyse
the morphology of the fractured surface. Overall, the results show high improvement
in mechanical properties by adding AC in ENR matrix with no obvious
agglomeration that indicates a good distribution of fillers in ENR. Therefore, the use
of AC as a filler may produce the same properties as others expensive carbon
materials such as CNT and graphene and thus it will reduce the cost.
DEDICATION
Dedicated to my beloved parents, my father Mr.Hj. Hassan Bin Mohamad and
Mrs.Hjh Azizah Binti Md Daud special thanks for your boundless love and repeated
encouragement. To my siblings, friends, lecturer and supervisor.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, I would like to thank the Almighty ALLAH for blessing
me, giving me the time and force to successfully complete my Projek Sarjana Muda
(PSM). I want to take this opportunity to record my utmost and sincere gratitude to
my supervisor, Dr. Mohd Asyadi ‘Azam bin Mohd Abid. Without him, I can never
start on my project and to proceed until this point. He has shown me guidance,
important advice, and inspiration throughout my project. He has also given me
knowledge essential in doing this project.
I also would like to show my appreciation to my lecturers, who taught me
until today in UTeM. They have taught me the basic of Engineering Materials and
this invaluable knowledge has provided me a firm foundation for doing this project.
Furthermore, I would like to thank to my friends, fellow classmates for
sharing and discussing, also the knowledge with me. Their support, opinion, and
advised will be not forgotten.
Finally, I would like to thanks to my family for their concerns and
encouragements.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Abstrak
i
Abstract
ii
Dedication
iii
Acknowledgement
iv
Table of Content
v
List of Tables
ix
List of Figures
x
List Abbreviations, Symbols and Nomenclatures
xii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
1
1.2
Problem Statement
3
1.3
Objective
6
1.4
Scope of Study
6
1.5
Report Organization
7
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Composite
8
2.1.1
Matrix
9
2.1.2
Reinforcement
10
Polymer Composite
11
2.2.1
Polymer Nanocomposite
11
2.2.2
Rubber Composite
11
Rubbers
12
2.3.1
Natural Rubber
12
2.3.1.1 Epoxidized Natural Rubber
13
2.3.1.2 Applications of ENR
14
Carbon Material
15
2.4.1
15
Activated Carbon
2.5
2.6
2.4.2
Carbon Nanotube
17
2.4.3
Graphite
17
2.4.4
Graphene
18
2.4.5
Graphene Oxide
20
2.4.6
Comparison of the Characteristic of Carbon Material and Polymers 21
Composite Processing
23
2.5.1
In situ Intercalative Polymerization
23
2.5.2
Solution Intercalation
23
2.5.3
Melt Blending
24
2.5.4
Solution Mixing
25
Testing and Analysis
27
2.6.1
Mechanical Testing
27
2.6.1.1 Tensile Test
27
Physical Testing
30
2.6.2.1 Density
30
2.6.2.2 Crosslink Density
31
2.6.2.3 Water Absorption
32
Morphological Analysis
33
2.6.3.1 Scanning Electron Microscopy
33
2.6.2
2.6.3
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1
Process Flow Chart
36
3.2
Raw Material Preparation
37
3.2.1
Matrix Material
37
3.2.1.1 Epoxidized Natural Rubber
37
Reinforcement Material
38
3.2.2.1 Activated Carbon
38
3.2.2
3.3
Rubber Compounding Recipe
39
3.4
Processing Technique
40
3.4.1
42
3.5
Toluene
Sample Fabrication Process
42
3.5.1
Dissolving of Rubber in Solvent
42
3.5.2
Dispersion of Activated Carbon
43
3.6
3.5.3
Mixing
44
3.5.4
Solvent Removal
45
3.5.5
Hot Pressing
45
Laboratory Testing
46
3.6.1
Mechanical Testing
46
3.6.1.1 Tensile Test
46
Physical Testing
47
3.6.2.1 Crosslink Density
48
3.6.2.2 Water Absorption
48
3.6.2.3 Density Test
49
3.6.2
3.7
Preparation for Analysis
50
3.7.1
Morphology Study
50
3.7.1.1 Scanning Electron Microscopy
50
CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1
The Success of fabrication Composite
52
4.2
Characterization
53
4.2.1
Tensile Test
53
4.2.2
Crosslink Density
56
4.2.3
Water Absorption
58
4.2.4
Density Test
62
4.3
Morphology Analysis
63
4.3.1
Scanning Electron Microscopy
63
4.3.2
Multi-Walled CNT/Natural Rubber Composite
66
4.3.3
Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) Analysis
68
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1
Conclusion
70
5.2
Recommendation
71
REFERENCES
72
APPENDICES
A
Gantt chart of PSM I
B
Gantt chart of PSM II
LIST OF TABLES
2.1
Application of ENR
14
2.2
Properties of graphene, CNT, nano sized steel, and polymers
22
2.3
Properties of the two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)
27
3.1
Properties of activated carbon
39
3.2
Composition of the rubber blend
40
4.1
Crosslink density of composite
56
4.2
Weigh of samples before immersed
58
4.3
Water absorption of rubber composite for 1 hour
59
4.4
Water absorption of rubber composite for 2 hour
59
4.5
Water absorption of rubber composite for 3 hour
59
4.6
Water absorption of rubber composite for 12 hour
60
4.7
Water absorption of rubber composite for 24 hour
60
4.8
Water absorption of AC/ENR composite
61
4.9
Average density of composite
62
LIST OF FIGURES
2.1
Epoxidized natural rubber formation
13
2.2
Activated carbon as viewed by an electron microscope
16
2.3
Large surface area per volume of activated carbon
16
2.4
Graphene as the building block of all graphitic carbon
19
nanostructure; wrapped to form the 0-D buckyballs, rolled to form the 1-D
nanotubes, and stacked to form 3-D graphite.
2.5
Representation of the epoxy, hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl groups
in GO
21
2.6
Schematic flow diagram of the melt-mixing process
25
2.7
Solvent casting method for the preparation of CNTs-polymer composite
26
2.8
Tensile strength of TPNR reinforced with the two types of MWNTs
28
2.9
Young’s modulus of TPNR reinforced with two types of MWNTs
29
2.10
Elongation at break of TPNR reinforced with the two types of MWNTs
30
2.11
The crosslinking density and molecular weight of nanocomposites
32
2.12
Scanning electron microscopy images of expanded graphite (a and b)
and graphene nanoplatelets (c and d) as received sample
34
Flow chart to produce carbon material reinforced epoxidized natural
rubber (ENR) nanocomposite
36
3.2
Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50)
38
3.3
Activated carbon RP-20
39
3.4
Solvent casting method
41
3.5
ENR gum
43
3.6
Ultrasonic cleaner
44
3.7
Mixing using mechanical stirrer
44
3.1
3.8
Vacuum drying oven
45
3.9
Hydraulic hot moulding
45
3.10
Tensile test machine
47
3.11
Mettler balance equipment
49
3.12
Electronic densimeter
49
3.13
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipment
50
4.1
The successful fabrication AC/ENR composite.
52
4.2
Tensile strength of activated carbon filled ENR composite with different
filler contain (phr)
53
4.3
The effect of activated carbon loading on the elongation at break AC/ENR
composite
55
4.4
Crosslink density of AC/ENR composite
56
4.5
Average density of AC/ENR composite
62
4.6
SEM micrograph of fractured surface of activated carbon filled ENR
composite: (a) 0 phr (B) 1 phr (c) 4 phr (d) 7 phr at 100 × magnification
64
SEM micrograph of fractured surface of activated carbon filled ENR
composite: (a) 0 phr (B) 1 phr (c) 4 phr (d) 7 phr at 500 × magnification
65
4.7
4.8
FESEM images at low magnification on surfaces of Multi-Walled CNT/NR
nanocomposites (a) 0 %, (b) 1 %. (c) 3 %, (d) 5 %, (e) 7 % and (f) 10 % 67
4.9
Edx analysis of 0, 1, 4 and 7 phr of AC/ENR composite
69
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, SYMBOLS AND
NOMENCLATURE
AC
-
Activated Carbon
ASTM
-
American Society of Testing and Materials
C
-
Carbon
CNT
-
Carbon Nanotube
ENR
-
Epoxidized Natural Rubber
GnP
-
Graphene Nanoplatelets
MWCNT
-
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube
SEM
-
Scanning Electron Microscopy
SWCNT
-
Single Walled Carbon Nanotube
XRD
-
X-Ray Diffraction
˚C
-
Celcius
Phr
-
Parts per Hundred
kPa
-
Kilo Pascal
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
As worldwide technologies and engineering methodologies become ever more
refined and redeveloped, the need for absolute control over all aspects of physical
systems become more increasingly obvious (Boyles et al. 2011). In order to reap all
the benefits of composite materials, it is importance and must for the future engineers
to exposure the topic at early stage of education. Therefore, the modifications of
materials by combining them with one another and exploiting their individually
unique characteristics for the purpose of producing physical responses to those found
in nature is the ultimate goal where the implementation of enhanced materials is not
only a curiosity, but a necessity (Boyles et al. 2011).
Composites are materials that have existed for millennia and are common both in
nature and among engineering materials. Moreover, polymers are popular with their
excellent processability, lower cost and also low specific gravity. In contrast, the
stiffness and strength were quite low compared to metals and ceramics, but their high
strength to weight ratio their ability to be processed at lower temperature enabled
them to replace metals and ceramics in numerous applications. Thus, to overcome
these drawbacks, polymers are used as composite to improve the performance and
cost effectiveness.
Composites exhibits physical properties synergically derived
from both polymer and the filler. There are three types of composite which are
polymer matrix composite (PMC), metal matrix composite (MMC) and ceramic
matrix composite (CMC). Polymer composites have mechanical and heat resistance
properties superior to pristine polymer. Polymer nancomposite is one of the types of
1
composite materials in which nananoscopic inorganic particles, typically 10-100Å
are dispersed in an organic polymer matrix in order to improve the performance
properties of the polymer (Lagashetty and Venkataraman, 2005).
This type of
composite represents a new alternative to conventionally foiled polymers where the
filler dispersion nanocomposites show significantly improved properties when
compared to the pure polymers. Early research on polymer nanocomposites are
focused on development of nanoclay filled thermoplastic systems. Then, research
diversified into other polymers systems like thermosets and elastomers and
nanofillers like nanosilica and CNT.
As a matrix material, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) have found commercial
applications in a wide range of areas, e.g. their hysteresis properties are utilized in
both mechanical and acoustic damping devices and in specialty shoe to give high wet
grip. ENR also are used in the construction of composites conveyor belts because of
their adhesive properties. The combination of high strength and low resilience of
ENR based conveyor belts are advantages under service conditions (Gelling, 1991).
Nowadays, fillers such as graphene and CNT show superior properties that shows
dramatic significance among materials scientists for developing nanocomposites.
The first polymer nanocomposite using CNT as fillers were done by Ajayaan et al.
(1994). Since then, there have been research related to processing and resulting
mechanical and/or electrical properties of fabricated polymer nanocomposite.
Besides graphene, single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) as a filler in rubber
nanocomposite shows a great deal of attention (Talib et al. 2012). The reinforcing
effect of filler depends on the interfacial structure between the polymer and the filler.
As the size of the filler reduces, the surface area reduces and consequently, the
interface between the filler and the polymer increases.
However, the introduction of microstructure size material filler such activated carbon
(AC) attract the attention where it poses excellent adsorption performance and
development pore structure which gives superiority where it has been extensively
utilized in different fields such as environmental protection, catalysis, food,
2
pharmacy and etc. (Yan-Qing et al. 2012). Activated carbon also has a reasonable
price compare to others carbon material.
Furthermore, activated carbon material that comes from a family of highly
carbonaceous perhaps is the most important type of industrial carbon material (Verla,
et al. 2012). This material is prepared by carbonization and activation of a large
number of raw materials of organic such as wood, coal, and lignite where the method
of activation, physical and chemical properties of the raw materials is a factor to a
characteristic of activated carbon. (Lua and Guo, 2001).
In processing elastomer nanocomposites, various techniques can be applied such as
latex blending solution mixing, internal mixing and open mill mixing. In addition,
nano and micro-structured functional materials have been predicted to be excellent
functional material candidates for catalysis, solar cells, rechargeable batteries,
sensors and etc. which have received significance attentions due to many excellent
properties and desired requirement.
Consequently, the main effort of the research is to come out with selecting the
activated carbon as fillers in order to fabricate superior properties of polymer
composite. The activated carbon will reinforced with ENR and will be characterized
to look out in terms of their fabrication process and properties. It is expected to
increase the properties of polymer composite with high mechanical strength.
1.2
Problem Statement
This research is aiming on the fabrication of activated carbon filled ENR composite
through solvent casting method. Hence, the studying of this research will show the
properties of composite that might be give a significant improvement and new
finding to existing composite materials.
From previous research by Toyota in 1990, nanofillers were applied as the earliest
application where nanoclay composites are used in their automobiles. There are
3
several alloptropes of carbon such as graphite, diamond, and amorphous carbon
where their physical properties are different widely. As potential nanofiller at a low
loading, graphene shows an attractive material that can spectacularly improve the
properties of polymer-based composites (Du and Cheng, 2012). Research that have
been done so far shows that graphene polymer composites are shows potential
multifunctional materials with significantly improved tensile strength and elastic
modulus, electrical and also thermal conductivity.
However, some results have been compared with CNT/polymer composites which
the properties are scattered and even lower than for CNT/polymer composites. This
might be due to many factors, including the type of graphene used, dispersion state
of graphene in the polymer matrix and its interfacial interaction. Besides, the amount
of wrinkling in the graphene and network structure in the matrix also can affect the
properties of graphene/polymer composites (Du and Cheng, 2012). Uniformly
dispersed fillers can improve mechanical and electrical properties and these can also
be useful in producing advanced polymer composites. Though the use of nanofiller
material shows a dramatically enhancement but the existence of microfiller material
may shows a significant improvements towards polymer composite.
The critical issue that usually appear is the dispersions of filler in a polymer matrix
which is because of the strong metallic bonding force state by Das, 2012
(RozpAlocha et al. 2007) and Van der Waals interaction (Coulson and Valence
1965) between graphene platelets thus make it difficult to disperse in polymers. The
same goes to multi-walled CNT, the contact area between the two tubes is relatively
much smaller (RozpAlocha et al. 2007). A highly need for good dispersion of these
nanostructures in a polymer matrix where the dispersion of CNT and graphene need
to be enhanced. This is because they have a tendency to agglomerate in
nanocomposites which may affect the properties of the composite.
In the last few decades show increasing technology that requires the use of activated
carbons in a wide range of application involving adsorption. An example such as
plastics, the reinforcement shows an increase in modulus and hardness where the
effect of particulate fillers is quite clear where they replace a part of matrix and
4
makes modulus becomes higher, but deformation at break decreases in the same
time. Due to higher glass transition temperature of ENR, some mechanical properties
of ENR such as tensile and fatigue behaviour, damping properties, and wet grip are
expected to be better than of natural rubber (Gelling et al. 1988).
The incorporation of activated carbon into natural rubber will study the mechanical
properties. Besides, it is it was found that there is no studied have involved the
preparation and characterization of AC/ENR composites. Therefore, this research
intends to look out the potential properties of activated carbon as filler in improving
the properties of polymer matrices on different percentage of composition, such as
the mechanical and microstructural properties. Activated carbon is one of the basic
carbon materials that easily produced and cost at reasonable price which makes it a
worth material for further research investigation.
In order to get improvements in strength and stiffness in nanocomposite of ENR,
elastomers are recommended reinforced with mineral fillers because the rubber
formulation would yield resilient products that having elastic properties but little
strength. In term of processing, blending of two or more types of polymer is a useful
technique for preparation and developing materials with better-quality (Sikong et al.
2009). Besides that, stable dispersion of activated carbon and ENR is possible. The
extent of property improvement depends on several parameters including the size of
the particles, aspect ratio, degree of dispersion and orientation in the matrix and also
the degree of adhesion with the rubber chains.
A suitable technique for fabrication process is through solvent casting method is a
good method to get a good mixing and proper dispersion between the filler and the
matrix. The most common method for preparing polymer CNT composites by
mixing the CNT and polymer in a suitable solvent before evaporating the solvent to
form a composite film. The benefits of this method is that agitation of the CNT
powder in a solvent improved the dispersion of CNT (Beyou et al. 2013). Besides,
the used of this method may avoid contaminants that can be the obstruction in
fabricating polymer composite.
5
Thus, the used of activated carbon as a filler in this research may create an
improvement properties of polymer composite. The use of solvent casting method,
composite compound formulation, dispersion of filler and adhesion between the filler
and the matrix of AC/ENR composite are also studied.
1.3
Objective
The objectives of this research:
(a) To fabricate activated carbon filled epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)
composite via solvent mixing method.
(b) To characterize fabricated activated carbon filled ENR composite from
the view point of tensile and morphology properties.
1.4
Scope of Study
The scopes of the research are based on the objectives:
(a) The study dispersion of filler in rubber using solvent casting method
(Objective 1).
(b) The filler dispersion and the interaction between filler and matrix
(Objective 1).
(c) The study of mechanical behaviour and microstructural evolution on the
polymer composite (Objective 2).
(d) Mechanical and microstructural properties of polymer composites
(Objective 2).
6
1.5
Report Organization
This report will be divided into five major chapters:
I.
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter will explain about the background, problem statement, objectives, and
scopes of the study.
II.
Chapter 2: Literature review
This chapter will explain with more details of the study by referring journals, books
or website as sources of the information.
III.
Chapter 3: Methodology
This chapter is describing the steps on how this study is conducted by making a flow
chart of the study. It is also explain the procedures of the study that is useful and be
as a guideline in order to make the project run smoothly and properly. This chapter is
highly important where it is one of the preparations step for PSM II.
IV.
Chapter 4: Result and Discussion
This chapter is presents the data and results obtained through all testing and and
analysis.
V.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation
Concludes the result of study and provides recommendations for future
improvement.
7
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter explained further reviews about the fundamental and component of this
research that will help in order to answer the objectives for this research. Throughout
this literature review, the types of several carbon materials will be exposed in detail
in term of structure, properties, and application that will be fabricated with natural
rubber based on their performance. Then, the next part will discuss the result comes
out from the experimental done in characterizing fabricated of carbon material filled
natural rubber composite.
2.1
Composite
Nowadays, the needs of high performance materials such as composite are increase
due to the rapid development in manufacturing. Even though composite are generally
more expensive in comparison to traditional construction materials, and not widely
used in many constructive and building activities, but their advantage of being
lightweight, more corrosion resistant and stronger makes them interesting. Moreover,
the volume and number of applications of composite materials has grown steadily,
penetrating and conquering new markets. Modern composite materials constitute a
significant proportion of the engineered materials market. The wide variety of
behaviours which may be exhibited by rubber materials, their use in the development
of structures having to respond to suspension and absorption tasks is becoming more
widespread (Devries, 1998). Therefore, in order to extend the range of the use of
such materials, the adding reinforcements inside them is required, improving their
strength.
8
BORANG PENGESAHAN STATUS LAPORAN PROJEK SARJANA MUDA
TAJUK: Fabrication of Activated Carbon Filled Epoxidized Natural Rubber Via
Solvent Casting Method
SESI PENGAJIAN: 2012/13 Semester 2
Saya `AISYAH BINTI HASSAN
mengaku membenarkan Laporan PSM ini disimpan di Perpustakaan Universiti
Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) dengan syarat-syarat kegunaan seperti berikut:
1. Laporan PSM adalah hak milik Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka dan penulis.
2. Perpustakaan Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka dibenarkan membuat salinan
untuk tujuan pengajian sahaja dengan izin penulis.
3. Perpustakaan dibenarkan membuat salinan laporan PSM ini sebagai bahan
pertukaran antara institusi pengajian tinggi.
4. **Sila tandakan (√)
SULIT
TERHAD
√
(Mengandungi maklumat yang berdarjah keselamatan
atau kepentingan Malaysiasebagaimana yang termaktub
dalam AKTA RAHSIA RASMI 1972)
(Mengandungi maklumat TERHAD yang telah ditentukan
oleh organisasi/badan di mana penyelidikan dijalankan)
TIDAK TERHAD
Disahkan oleh:
Cop Rasmi:
Alamat Tetap:
No. 17 Jalan 13/62,
Bandar Menjalara,
Kepong, 52200, Kuala Lumpur
Tarikh: _________________________
Tarikh: _______________________
** Jika Laporan PSM ini SULIT atau TERHAD, sila lampirkan surat daripada pihak berkuasa/organisasi
berkenaan dengan menyatakan sekali sebab dan tempoh laporan PSM ini perlu dikelaskan sebagai
SULIT atau TERHAD.
APPROVAL
This report is submitted to the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering of UTeM
as a partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of
Manufacturing Engineering (Engineering Materials) (Hons.). The member of the
supervisory is as follow:
………………………………
(Dr. Mohd Asyadi `Azam Bin Mohd Abid)
DECLARATION
I hereby, declared this report entitled “Fabrication of Activated Carbon Filled
Epoxidized Natural Rubber Composite via Solvent Casting Method” is the results of
my own research except as cited in references
Signature
:
………………………………………….
Author’s Name
:
`Aisyah Binti Hassan
Date
:
14 June 2013
ABSTRAK
Disebabkan pengubahasuaian bahan dengan menggabungkan mereka dengan satu
sama lain untuk mengeksplotasi ciri-ciri yang unik di mana pelaksanaan bahan
dipertingkatkan menjadi matlamat utama untuk diketahui. Walaupun penggunaan
bahan pengisi nano selalu dilakukan, tetapi kewujudan bahan pengisi mikro mungkin
member potensi dalam komposit polimer. Maka, kajian ini berharap untuk
memfabrikasi karbon teraktif (AC) diisi epoxidized getah asli (ENR) composite
melalui kaedah pemutus pelarut dan cirri-ciri yang direka AC diisi ENR composite
dari sudut sifat mekanikal (tegangan) dan morfologi. Dalam kajian ini, komposit
polimer terdiri daripada ENR sebagai matriks dan AC sebagai pengisi di mana
pembebanan pengisi yang berbeza dalam julat 0 hingga 7 phr telah digunakan untuk
menghasilkan komposit. Selain itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji kesan AC
pada sifat-sifat mekanikal, penyebaran pengisi dan interaksi antara pengisi dan
matriks dengan menggunakan kaedah pemutus pelarut. Kesan kekurangan dan
kebaikan dari komposit telah dikenal pasti dengan menjalani pelbagai ujian seperti
ujian tegangan, ujian ketumpatan sambung silang, ujian penyerapan air dan ujian
kepadatan. Mikroskop pengimbas elektron (SEM) juga telah akan digunakan untuk
menganalisis morfologi permuakaan patah. Secara keseluruhannya, keputusan
menunjukkan peningkatan yang tinggi dari segi sifat mekanik dengan menambah AC
dalam ENR matriks tanpa pengumpalan yang jelas yang menunjukkan bahawa
pengagihan yang baik oleh pengisi dalam ENR. Oleh itu, penggunaan AC sebagai
pengisi boleh menghasilkan sifat-sifat yang sama seperti bahan karbon mahal seerti
CNT dan graphene dan dengan itu ia akan mengurangkan kos.
ABSTRACT
Owing to the modifications of materials is by combining them with one another to
exploiting their unique characteristic where the implementation of enhanced
materials being the ultimate goal to be known. Despite of often using nanofiller
materials, the existence of microfiller material may be give a potential in polymer
composite. Therefore, this research means to fabricate activated carbon (AC) filled
epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) composite through solvent casting method and to
characterize fabricated AC filled ENR composite from the view point of mechanical
(tensile) and morphological properties. In this research the polymer composite
composed of ENR as the matrix and AC as the filler where different filler loading in
the range 0 to 7 phr was used to fabricate the composites. Moreover, this research is
intended to investigate the effects of AC loading on mechanical properties, filler
dispersion and the interaction between filler and matrix by using solvent casting
method. Drawback and advantageous effects of the composite has been identified by
undergo various testing like tensile test, crosslink density test, water absorption test
and density test. Scanning electron microscopy also has been employed to analyse
the morphology of the fractured surface. Overall, the results show high improvement
in mechanical properties by adding AC in ENR matrix with no obvious
agglomeration that indicates a good distribution of fillers in ENR. Therefore, the use
of AC as a filler may produce the same properties as others expensive carbon
materials such as CNT and graphene and thus it will reduce the cost.
DEDICATION
Dedicated to my beloved parents, my father Mr.Hj. Hassan Bin Mohamad and
Mrs.Hjh Azizah Binti Md Daud special thanks for your boundless love and repeated
encouragement. To my siblings, friends, lecturer and supervisor.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, I would like to thank the Almighty ALLAH for blessing
me, giving me the time and force to successfully complete my Projek Sarjana Muda
(PSM). I want to take this opportunity to record my utmost and sincere gratitude to
my supervisor, Dr. Mohd Asyadi ‘Azam bin Mohd Abid. Without him, I can never
start on my project and to proceed until this point. He has shown me guidance,
important advice, and inspiration throughout my project. He has also given me
knowledge essential in doing this project.
I also would like to show my appreciation to my lecturers, who taught me
until today in UTeM. They have taught me the basic of Engineering Materials and
this invaluable knowledge has provided me a firm foundation for doing this project.
Furthermore, I would like to thank to my friends, fellow classmates for
sharing and discussing, also the knowledge with me. Their support, opinion, and
advised will be not forgotten.
Finally, I would like to thanks to my family for their concerns and
encouragements.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Abstrak
i
Abstract
ii
Dedication
iii
Acknowledgement
iv
Table of Content
v
List of Tables
ix
List of Figures
x
List Abbreviations, Symbols and Nomenclatures
xii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
1
1.2
Problem Statement
3
1.3
Objective
6
1.4
Scope of Study
6
1.5
Report Organization
7
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
Composite
8
2.1.1
Matrix
9
2.1.2
Reinforcement
10
Polymer Composite
11
2.2.1
Polymer Nanocomposite
11
2.2.2
Rubber Composite
11
Rubbers
12
2.3.1
Natural Rubber
12
2.3.1.1 Epoxidized Natural Rubber
13
2.3.1.2 Applications of ENR
14
Carbon Material
15
2.4.1
15
Activated Carbon
2.5
2.6
2.4.2
Carbon Nanotube
17
2.4.3
Graphite
17
2.4.4
Graphene
18
2.4.5
Graphene Oxide
20
2.4.6
Comparison of the Characteristic of Carbon Material and Polymers 21
Composite Processing
23
2.5.1
In situ Intercalative Polymerization
23
2.5.2
Solution Intercalation
23
2.5.3
Melt Blending
24
2.5.4
Solution Mixing
25
Testing and Analysis
27
2.6.1
Mechanical Testing
27
2.6.1.1 Tensile Test
27
Physical Testing
30
2.6.2.1 Density
30
2.6.2.2 Crosslink Density
31
2.6.2.3 Water Absorption
32
Morphological Analysis
33
2.6.3.1 Scanning Electron Microscopy
33
2.6.2
2.6.3
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1
Process Flow Chart
36
3.2
Raw Material Preparation
37
3.2.1
Matrix Material
37
3.2.1.1 Epoxidized Natural Rubber
37
Reinforcement Material
38
3.2.2.1 Activated Carbon
38
3.2.2
3.3
Rubber Compounding Recipe
39
3.4
Processing Technique
40
3.4.1
42
3.5
Toluene
Sample Fabrication Process
42
3.5.1
Dissolving of Rubber in Solvent
42
3.5.2
Dispersion of Activated Carbon
43
3.6
3.5.3
Mixing
44
3.5.4
Solvent Removal
45
3.5.5
Hot Pressing
45
Laboratory Testing
46
3.6.1
Mechanical Testing
46
3.6.1.1 Tensile Test
46
Physical Testing
47
3.6.2.1 Crosslink Density
48
3.6.2.2 Water Absorption
48
3.6.2.3 Density Test
49
3.6.2
3.7
Preparation for Analysis
50
3.7.1
Morphology Study
50
3.7.1.1 Scanning Electron Microscopy
50
CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1
The Success of fabrication Composite
52
4.2
Characterization
53
4.2.1
Tensile Test
53
4.2.2
Crosslink Density
56
4.2.3
Water Absorption
58
4.2.4
Density Test
62
4.3
Morphology Analysis
63
4.3.1
Scanning Electron Microscopy
63
4.3.2
Multi-Walled CNT/Natural Rubber Composite
66
4.3.3
Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) Analysis
68
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1
Conclusion
70
5.2
Recommendation
71
REFERENCES
72
APPENDICES
A
Gantt chart of PSM I
B
Gantt chart of PSM II
LIST OF TABLES
2.1
Application of ENR
14
2.2
Properties of graphene, CNT, nano sized steel, and polymers
22
2.3
Properties of the two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)
27
3.1
Properties of activated carbon
39
3.2
Composition of the rubber blend
40
4.1
Crosslink density of composite
56
4.2
Weigh of samples before immersed
58
4.3
Water absorption of rubber composite for 1 hour
59
4.4
Water absorption of rubber composite for 2 hour
59
4.5
Water absorption of rubber composite for 3 hour
59
4.6
Water absorption of rubber composite for 12 hour
60
4.7
Water absorption of rubber composite for 24 hour
60
4.8
Water absorption of AC/ENR composite
61
4.9
Average density of composite
62
LIST OF FIGURES
2.1
Epoxidized natural rubber formation
13
2.2
Activated carbon as viewed by an electron microscope
16
2.3
Large surface area per volume of activated carbon
16
2.4
Graphene as the building block of all graphitic carbon
19
nanostructure; wrapped to form the 0-D buckyballs, rolled to form the 1-D
nanotubes, and stacked to form 3-D graphite.
2.5
Representation of the epoxy, hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl groups
in GO
21
2.6
Schematic flow diagram of the melt-mixing process
25
2.7
Solvent casting method for the preparation of CNTs-polymer composite
26
2.8
Tensile strength of TPNR reinforced with the two types of MWNTs
28
2.9
Young’s modulus of TPNR reinforced with two types of MWNTs
29
2.10
Elongation at break of TPNR reinforced with the two types of MWNTs
30
2.11
The crosslinking density and molecular weight of nanocomposites
32
2.12
Scanning electron microscopy images of expanded graphite (a and b)
and graphene nanoplatelets (c and d) as received sample
34
Flow chart to produce carbon material reinforced epoxidized natural
rubber (ENR) nanocomposite
36
3.2
Epoxidized natural rubber (ENR-50)
38
3.3
Activated carbon RP-20
39
3.4
Solvent casting method
41
3.5
ENR gum
43
3.6
Ultrasonic cleaner
44
3.7
Mixing using mechanical stirrer
44
3.1
3.8
Vacuum drying oven
45
3.9
Hydraulic hot moulding
45
3.10
Tensile test machine
47
3.11
Mettler balance equipment
49
3.12
Electronic densimeter
49
3.13
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipment
50
4.1
The successful fabrication AC/ENR composite.
52
4.2
Tensile strength of activated carbon filled ENR composite with different
filler contain (phr)
53
4.3
The effect of activated carbon loading on the elongation at break AC/ENR
composite
55
4.4
Crosslink density of AC/ENR composite
56
4.5
Average density of AC/ENR composite
62
4.6
SEM micrograph of fractured surface of activated carbon filled ENR
composite: (a) 0 phr (B) 1 phr (c) 4 phr (d) 7 phr at 100 × magnification
64
SEM micrograph of fractured surface of activated carbon filled ENR
composite: (a) 0 phr (B) 1 phr (c) 4 phr (d) 7 phr at 500 × magnification
65
4.7
4.8
FESEM images at low magnification on surfaces of Multi-Walled CNT/NR
nanocomposites (a) 0 %, (b) 1 %. (c) 3 %, (d) 5 %, (e) 7 % and (f) 10 % 67
4.9
Edx analysis of 0, 1, 4 and 7 phr of AC/ENR composite
69
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS, SYMBOLS AND
NOMENCLATURE
AC
-
Activated Carbon
ASTM
-
American Society of Testing and Materials
C
-
Carbon
CNT
-
Carbon Nanotube
ENR
-
Epoxidized Natural Rubber
GnP
-
Graphene Nanoplatelets
MWCNT
-
Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube
SEM
-
Scanning Electron Microscopy
SWCNT
-
Single Walled Carbon Nanotube
XRD
-
X-Ray Diffraction
˚C
-
Celcius
Phr
-
Parts per Hundred
kPa
-
Kilo Pascal
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
As worldwide technologies and engineering methodologies become ever more
refined and redeveloped, the need for absolute control over all aspects of physical
systems become more increasingly obvious (Boyles et al. 2011). In order to reap all
the benefits of composite materials, it is importance and must for the future engineers
to exposure the topic at early stage of education. Therefore, the modifications of
materials by combining them with one another and exploiting their individually
unique characteristics for the purpose of producing physical responses to those found
in nature is the ultimate goal where the implementation of enhanced materials is not
only a curiosity, but a necessity (Boyles et al. 2011).
Composites are materials that have existed for millennia and are common both in
nature and among engineering materials. Moreover, polymers are popular with their
excellent processability, lower cost and also low specific gravity. In contrast, the
stiffness and strength were quite low compared to metals and ceramics, but their high
strength to weight ratio their ability to be processed at lower temperature enabled
them to replace metals and ceramics in numerous applications. Thus, to overcome
these drawbacks, polymers are used as composite to improve the performance and
cost effectiveness.
Composites exhibits physical properties synergically derived
from both polymer and the filler. There are three types of composite which are
polymer matrix composite (PMC), metal matrix composite (MMC) and ceramic
matrix composite (CMC). Polymer composites have mechanical and heat resistance
properties superior to pristine polymer. Polymer nancomposite is one of the types of
1
composite materials in which nananoscopic inorganic particles, typically 10-100Å
are dispersed in an organic polymer matrix in order to improve the performance
properties of the polymer (Lagashetty and Venkataraman, 2005).
This type of
composite represents a new alternative to conventionally foiled polymers where the
filler dispersion nanocomposites show significantly improved properties when
compared to the pure polymers. Early research on polymer nanocomposites are
focused on development of nanoclay filled thermoplastic systems. Then, research
diversified into other polymers systems like thermosets and elastomers and
nanofillers like nanosilica and CNT.
As a matrix material, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) have found commercial
applications in a wide range of areas, e.g. their hysteresis properties are utilized in
both mechanical and acoustic damping devices and in specialty shoe to give high wet
grip. ENR also are used in the construction of composites conveyor belts because of
their adhesive properties. The combination of high strength and low resilience of
ENR based conveyor belts are advantages under service conditions (Gelling, 1991).
Nowadays, fillers such as graphene and CNT show superior properties that shows
dramatic significance among materials scientists for developing nanocomposites.
The first polymer nanocomposite using CNT as fillers were done by Ajayaan et al.
(1994). Since then, there have been research related to processing and resulting
mechanical and/or electrical properties of fabricated polymer nanocomposite.
Besides graphene, single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) as a filler in rubber
nanocomposite shows a great deal of attention (Talib et al. 2012). The reinforcing
effect of filler depends on the interfacial structure between the polymer and the filler.
As the size of the filler reduces, the surface area reduces and consequently, the
interface between the filler and the polymer increases.
However, the introduction of microstructure size material filler such activated carbon
(AC) attract the attention where it poses excellent adsorption performance and
development pore structure which gives superiority where it has been extensively
utilized in different fields such as environmental protection, catalysis, food,
2
pharmacy and etc. (Yan-Qing et al. 2012). Activated carbon also has a reasonable
price compare to others carbon material.
Furthermore, activated carbon material that comes from a family of highly
carbonaceous perhaps is the most important type of industrial carbon material (Verla,
et al. 2012). This material is prepared by carbonization and activation of a large
number of raw materials of organic such as wood, coal, and lignite where the method
of activation, physical and chemical properties of the raw materials is a factor to a
characteristic of activated carbon. (Lua and Guo, 2001).
In processing elastomer nanocomposites, various techniques can be applied such as
latex blending solution mixing, internal mixing and open mill mixing. In addition,
nano and micro-structured functional materials have been predicted to be excellent
functional material candidates for catalysis, solar cells, rechargeable batteries,
sensors and etc. which have received significance attentions due to many excellent
properties and desired requirement.
Consequently, the main effort of the research is to come out with selecting the
activated carbon as fillers in order to fabricate superior properties of polymer
composite. The activated carbon will reinforced with ENR and will be characterized
to look out in terms of their fabrication process and properties. It is expected to
increase the properties of polymer composite with high mechanical strength.
1.2
Problem Statement
This research is aiming on the fabrication of activated carbon filled ENR composite
through solvent casting method. Hence, the studying of this research will show the
properties of composite that might be give a significant improvement and new
finding to existing composite materials.
From previous research by Toyota in 1990, nanofillers were applied as the earliest
application where nanoclay composites are used in their automobiles. There are
3
several alloptropes of carbon such as graphite, diamond, and amorphous carbon
where their physical properties are different widely. As potential nanofiller at a low
loading, graphene shows an attractive material that can spectacularly improve the
properties of polymer-based composites (Du and Cheng, 2012). Research that have
been done so far shows that graphene polymer composites are shows potential
multifunctional materials with significantly improved tensile strength and elastic
modulus, electrical and also thermal conductivity.
However, some results have been compared with CNT/polymer composites which
the properties are scattered and even lower than for CNT/polymer composites. This
might be due to many factors, including the type of graphene used, dispersion state
of graphene in the polymer matrix and its interfacial interaction. Besides, the amount
of wrinkling in the graphene and network structure in the matrix also can affect the
properties of graphene/polymer composites (Du and Cheng, 2012). Uniformly
dispersed fillers can improve mechanical and electrical properties and these can also
be useful in producing advanced polymer composites. Though the use of nanofiller
material shows a dramatically enhancement but the existence of microfiller material
may shows a significant improvements towards polymer composite.
The critical issue that usually appear is the dispersions of filler in a polymer matrix
which is because of the strong metallic bonding force state by Das, 2012
(RozpAlocha et al. 2007) and Van der Waals interaction (Coulson and Valence
1965) between graphene platelets thus make it difficult to disperse in polymers. The
same goes to multi-walled CNT, the contact area between the two tubes is relatively
much smaller (RozpAlocha et al. 2007). A highly need for good dispersion of these
nanostructures in a polymer matrix where the dispersion of CNT and graphene need
to be enhanced. This is because they have a tendency to agglomerate in
nanocomposites which may affect the properties of the composite.
In the last few decades show increasing technology that requires the use of activated
carbons in a wide range of application involving adsorption. An example such as
plastics, the reinforcement shows an increase in modulus and hardness where the
effect of particulate fillers is quite clear where they replace a part of matrix and
4
makes modulus becomes higher, but deformation at break decreases in the same
time. Due to higher glass transition temperature of ENR, some mechanical properties
of ENR such as tensile and fatigue behaviour, damping properties, and wet grip are
expected to be better than of natural rubber (Gelling et al. 1988).
The incorporation of activated carbon into natural rubber will study the mechanical
properties. Besides, it is it was found that there is no studied have involved the
preparation and characterization of AC/ENR composites. Therefore, this research
intends to look out the potential properties of activated carbon as filler in improving
the properties of polymer matrices on different percentage of composition, such as
the mechanical and microstructural properties. Activated carbon is one of the basic
carbon materials that easily produced and cost at reasonable price which makes it a
worth material for further research investigation.
In order to get improvements in strength and stiffness in nanocomposite of ENR,
elastomers are recommended reinforced with mineral fillers because the rubber
formulation would yield resilient products that having elastic properties but little
strength. In term of processing, blending of two or more types of polymer is a useful
technique for preparation and developing materials with better-quality (Sikong et al.
2009). Besides that, stable dispersion of activated carbon and ENR is possible. The
extent of property improvement depends on several parameters including the size of
the particles, aspect ratio, degree of dispersion and orientation in the matrix and also
the degree of adhesion with the rubber chains.
A suitable technique for fabrication process is through solvent casting method is a
good method to get a good mixing and proper dispersion between the filler and the
matrix. The most common method for preparing polymer CNT composites by
mixing the CNT and polymer in a suitable solvent before evaporating the solvent to
form a composite film. The benefits of this method is that agitation of the CNT
powder in a solvent improved the dispersion of CNT (Beyou et al. 2013). Besides,
the used of this method may avoid contaminants that can be the obstruction in
fabricating polymer composite.
5
Thus, the used of activated carbon as a filler in this research may create an
improvement properties of polymer composite. The use of solvent casting method,
composite compound formulation, dispersion of filler and adhesion between the filler
and the matrix of AC/ENR composite are also studied.
1.3
Objective
The objectives of this research:
(a) To fabricate activated carbon filled epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)
composite via solvent mixing method.
(b) To characterize fabricated activated carbon filled ENR composite from
the view point of tensile and morphology properties.
1.4
Scope of Study
The scopes of the research are based on the objectives:
(a) The study dispersion of filler in rubber using solvent casting method
(Objective 1).
(b) The filler dispersion and the interaction between filler and matrix
(Objective 1).
(c) The study of mechanical behaviour and microstructural evolution on the
polymer composite (Objective 2).
(d) Mechanical and microstructural properties of polymer composites
(Objective 2).
6
1.5
Report Organization
This report will be divided into five major chapters:
I.
Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter will explain about the background, problem statement, objectives, and
scopes of the study.
II.
Chapter 2: Literature review
This chapter will explain with more details of the study by referring journals, books
or website as sources of the information.
III.
Chapter 3: Methodology
This chapter is describing the steps on how this study is conducted by making a flow
chart of the study. It is also explain the procedures of the study that is useful and be
as a guideline in order to make the project run smoothly and properly. This chapter is
highly important where it is one of the preparations step for PSM II.
IV.
Chapter 4: Result and Discussion
This chapter is presents the data and results obtained through all testing and and
analysis.
V.
Chapter 5: Conclusion and Recommendation
Concludes the result of study and provides recommendations for future
improvement.
7
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter explained further reviews about the fundamental and component of this
research that will help in order to answer the objectives for this research. Throughout
this literature review, the types of several carbon materials will be exposed in detail
in term of structure, properties, and application that will be fabricated with natural
rubber based on their performance. Then, the next part will discuss the result comes
out from the experimental done in characterizing fabricated of carbon material filled
natural rubber composite.
2.1
Composite
Nowadays, the needs of high performance materials such as composite are increase
due to the rapid development in manufacturing. Even though composite are generally
more expensive in comparison to traditional construction materials, and not widely
used in many constructive and building activities, but their advantage of being
lightweight, more corrosion resistant and stronger makes them interesting. Moreover,
the volume and number of applications of composite materials has grown steadily,
penetrating and conquering new markets. Modern composite materials constitute a
significant proportion of the engineered materials market. The wide variety of
behaviours which may be exhibited by rubber materials, their use in the development
of structures having to respond to suspension and absorption tasks is becoming more
widespread (Devries, 1998). Therefore, in order to extend the range of the use of
such materials, the adding reinforcements inside them is required, improving their
strength.
8