Enhancement of the Compatibility Between Natural Rubber and Pineapple Leaf Microfibers for Better Stress Transfer in Their Composite

The compatibility between natural rubber (NR) and pineapple leaf microfibers (PALMF) in NR-PALMF composites were improved by two methods. The first was carried out by the addition of nitrile rubber (NBR) during mixing. The other method was achieved by chemically treating PALMF surface with silane. Modulus at low strain of NR-PALMF composites increased in both cases. The composite prepared with silane-modified PALMF has, however, higher modulus than that containing NBR indicating better compatibility between NR and PALMF. The modulus at high strain of NR-PALMF composites has also been increased by addition of carbon black filler. This system has been compared to natural rubber reinforced by aramid fibers and has shown better mechanical properties.