Some studies on the effect of bagasse concentration on the mechanical and physical properties of SBR composites

This work aims to avoid pollution of the environment resulting from ashes accumulated due to the burning of agricultural wastes. Also, it aims to reduce the cost without impairing the mechanical properties of rubber vulcanizates. For this reason, this work was carried out as a possible solution by incorporation of cellulose fibers derived from bagasse waste as reinforcing fillers in rubber composites. Besides, it aims at reporting an investigation on a series of mixtures based on natural ground bagasse powder (GBP) and carbon black (CB) as reinforcing fillers to study their effects on the mechanical and physical properties of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites. The GBP obtained from the grinding machine has a selective grain size distribution ranging from about 20 µm to 180 µm. In addition, 2.5 phr of added maleic anhydride was used to improve the interfacial adhesion between SBR and agricultural waste fillers (i.e. bagasse). Tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus at 100% elongation, resilience and hardness (Shore A), degree of swelling, and thermal properties of the rubber vulcanizates were studied. The prepared samples were also analyzed by X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscopy. The advantage of choosing the 25 phr bagasse concentration as a pivoting factor makes the road clearer to investigate that the optimum concentration of bagasse to be used simultaneously with CB in SBR composites is 30 phr. Furthermore, it was found from the obtained results that the addition of GBP up to 50 phr is possible without impairing the mechanical properties of SBR vulcanizates.