Effect of Selected Inorganic Fillers on the Processing Characteristics, Technological Properties and Flammability of Natural Rubber Vulcanizates

A wide variety of elastomer based products are commonly used for applications such as tires, gloves, tarpaulins, rubber bands, conveyor belts, floor tiles, carpet underlays, etc. Since most of these products are for indoor applications, they must have good flame resistance for safe and adequate protection. The authors have analyzed the effect of a series of inexpensive inorganic fillers on processing characteristics, technological properties and flammability of natural rubber. The flame retarding performance attributed to these fillers is compared against those of two standard and accepted flame retardants zinc borate and alumina. The results of the study show that talc and mica powder retard flammability of natural rubber satisfactorily without adversely affecting other technological properties.