Effects of MAPI/HMDA Dual Compatibilizer and Filler Loading on Physico-Mechanical and Water Sorption Properties of Natural Rubber/Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET)/Dikanut Shell Powder Bio-Composites

The effects of maleated polyisoprene (MAPI)/hexamethylene diamine (HMDA) dual compatibilizers and filler loading on physico-mechanical properties of natural rubber (NR)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/dikanut shell powder (DSP) bio-composites have been investigated at filler loadings, 0 to 8 wt. %. NR/PET composition was fixed at 60/40 wt. %. Dikanut shell powder was prepared at three particle sizes of 120, 135, and 150 µm. The composites were prepared by reactive compatibilization in a two-roll mill. Results obtained have demonstrated that a combination of MAPI and HMDA is an excellent dual reactive compatibilizer for NR/PET/DSP bio-composites as shown by marked improvement in the properties investigated. The tensile strength, tensile elongation, unnotched impact strength, and melt flow rate of the composites were found to decrease with increase in filler loadings. On the other hand, the hardness of the composites increased with increases in filler loadings. However, the incorporation of MAPI/HMDA into the composites was found to improve these properties. Both the compatibilized and uncompatibilized composites absorbed water, the amount of which increased with increase in filler loading. The amount of water absorbed by the composites was substantially decreased on addition of MAPI/HMDA into the composites.