Keywords: Bamboo charcoal; curing characteristics; mechanical properties; natural rubber; filler loading

Abstract

Bamboo charcoal (BC) derived from bamboo plants is a widely known material with many uses and benefits. It has been utilised in various applications, including medical, cosmetic, food processing, and health-related products. In this paper, vulcanisates of natural rubber (NR) filled with bamboo charcoal powder (BCP) were mixed using a laboratory-sized two-roll mill. The effects of BCP loading ranging from 10 to 50 parts per hundred rubber (phr) on curing characteristics and mechanical properties were investigated. Unfilled NR was processed under the same conditions for comparison. The results indicated that the addition of BCP resulted in a longer scorch time and higher Mooney viscosity in NR. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the vulcanisates were studied, revealing that the tensile strength, modulus at 100% elongation, and abrasion resistance increased by 32%, 86%, and 13%, respectively, compared to unfilled rubber. Overall, the results suggest that BCP-reinforced NR vulcanisates have the potential to be environmentally friendly materials and are also cost-effective, owing to their sustainable and abundant sources.