Physical Properties of green Composite: Low grade natural Rubber/ Cassava Starch/ Palm Fiber

The green composite was made from low grade natural rubber (LNR), cassava starch (CSt) and palm fiber by using two-roll mill and compression molding. Before adding palm fiber, the elongation at break of LNR/CSt blend was improved as a function of CSt content due to plasticizer of CSt. After chemical modification of palm fiber, SEM indicated the significant change on the surface of palm fiber which caused an enhancement of the properties including tensile strength, elongation at break and toluene resistance of the green polymer composite. The highest tensile strength and cure rate of this composite was obtained with using palm fiber of < 450 mu m in length.