ABSTRACT
The effect of semi nano filler from rice husk on the mechanical properties of epoxidized natural rubber was studied and compared with carbon black filled epoxidized natural rubber composite. The particle size distribution of the milled rice husk was determined using optical microscopy and digital imaging technique. The semi nano powder obtained by ball milling of the rice husk was characterized for pH, iodine value, cellulose content, lignin content, hemicellulose content, moisture content, bulk density and loss on ignition. The result of the physico-chemical analysis showed excellent values which compared favourably with other literature reports. Optical microscopy and digital imaging of the rice husk nano filler showed a spherical particle of average size 221nm. The results of the mechanical testing presented similar trends and close values for both carbon black filled epoxidized natural rubber and rice husk semi-nano filled epoxidized natural rubber at filler loading in the range 10 – 50phr. Consequently, rice husk nano filler can be a good substitute for carbon black for products where cost, compression set and rebound resilience properties are critical.
