The properties of palm kernel shell (PKS) powder filled styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites

Abstract

In this study, palm kernel shell (PKS) with 150um size (average particle size) was used as filler in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites. The effect of filler loading on tensile properties, swelling behavior and hardness of palm kernel shell (PKS) filled styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites has been studied with the loading range of 0 to 40phr. Palm kernel shell (PKS) filled styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites were produced by using Brabender Plastograph mixer which torque rheometer at 80°C and 50 rpm. Results showed that, for SBR/PKS blends the cure time decreased with increasing palm kernel shell (PKS) filler loading. The presence of the filler in styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites show that the increasing of PKS content was increased the tensile strength and young modulus. The addition of palm kernel shell powder also shows the enhancement in swelling and hardness properties.