Effects of chemical treatment, aspect ratio and concentration of fibre and type of bonding system on the properties of natural rubber - short sisal fibre composites were evaluated. The results indicated that acetylation of sisal fibre improved the properties of the composites. Aspect ratio in the range of 20-60 was found to be sufficient for reinforcement. A minimum of 12 per cent (v/v) loading of the acetylated fibre was necessary for proper reinforcement. A two-component system consisting of resorcinol and hexamethylenetetramine was found to be better than the normal tricomponent bonding system consisting of resorcinol, hexamethylenetetramine and hydrated silica.
Natural rubber, Sisal fibre, Short fibre, Composites, Dry bonding system, Reinforcement, Aspect ratio, Adhesion