The Addition of Imperata cylindrica as Natural Filler in Epoxidized Natural Rubber Filled Recycled Nitrile Glove: Cure Characteristics and Physical Properties

The effects of imperata cylindrica on curing characteristics and physical properties of epoxidized natural rubbers (ENR25) filled recycled nitrile glove (rNBR) were examined. The compounds were prepared by two roll mill at five different compositions of imperata cylindrica (5, 15, 25, 35 and 45 phr). The size range of imperata cylindrica particles i.e., 0μm-63μm and 500μm-700μm were used. The result of cure characterization show that scorch time (t2) and cure time (t90) of the ENR25/rNBR decreased with the increased of imperata cylindrica content due to an insufficient amount of accelerator or curing agent and migration of sulphur from filler to the natural rubber. ENR25/rNBR with fine size, S1 of imperata cylindrica particles exhibit lower minimum torque (ML) compared with the coarse size, S2 which resulted in more efficient processing. The maximum torque (MH) of all ENR25/rNBR compounds show the increasing trend with increased imperata cylindrica content due to the good interactions between imperata cylindrica and ENR25/rNBR compounds. For physical properties, ENR25/rNBR compounds with fine size, S1 of imperata cylindrica particles exhibited the higher crosslinking density at all compound ratios meanwhile coarse size, S2 show highest hardness compared to fine size, S1. The results overall indicated that the ENR25/rNBR with fine size, S1 of imperata cylindrica particles show better cure characteristics and physical properties (crosslink density and hardness test) compared to coarse size, S2 of imperata cylindrica particles.