Influence of Lignocellulose Fillers on Properties Natural Rubber Composites

Abstract

The present article presents unreported yet in the subject literature examinations of the effect of a lignocellulose filler obtained from an alkalized wheat straw treated with di-potassium phosphate on the properties of natural rubber composites. The thermal and mechanical properties as well as the fire hazard of the composites obtained were tested also in the presence of an additive flame-retardant compound (poly(ammonium phosphate)), exploiting the synergism of its action with pentaerythritol, antimony trioxide, aluminum hydroxide and zinc borate. Based on the results obtained by the methods of thermal and mechanical analyses, micro-calorimetry and cone calorimetry, it has been found that the bio-filler increases, especially in the presence of additive flame-retardant, the resistance of the bio-composites tested to the action of fire, without a significant deterioration in their mechanical properties.