Effect of ZnFe2O4Filler Loading on the Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Epoxidised Natural Rubber 25 (ENR 25)

Abstract

In this study, the effect of ZnFe2O4 loading on the morphology and mechanical properties of epoxidised natural rubber 25 (ENR 25) was intensively investigated. The composite densities were measured using a density meter. The morphological analyses were characterised by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties, including hardness, stress-strain behaviour, tensile strength, elongation at break, and tensile modulus were also investigated. The present rubber ferrite composite showed a particulate dispersion of ZnFe2O3 on its morphological surface. The composite also presented characteristic of high density (1.592 g/cm3), hardness (44.63 Shore A at 120 phr), high tensile strength (14.09 MPa at 80 phr), high elongation at break (648.79 %.at 120 phr), and high tensile modulus (100% modulus: 1.05% at 120 phr, 300% modulus: 1.93 MPa at 80 phr) compared to the ENR 25 without filler which is 1.006 g/cm3, 28.13 Shore A, 8.49 MPa, 615.18%, 0.65 (100% modulus) and 1.38 (300% modulus) respectively.