Novel natural rubber composites with geopolymer filler

The main objective of this study was to apply geopolymer (GP) particles as novelty fillers in natural rubber (NR) composites with various loadings (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 phr). Influence of GP particles on cure characteristics, mechanical, dynamic, thermal, and morphological properties of the NR/geopolymer composites was investigated. It was found that incorporation of geopolymer particles significantly affected the cure characteristics and the mechanical properties. That is, faster curing was observed due to acceleration by metal oxide impurities. It was also found that 100% modulus and tensile strength increased with the addition of 10 phr GP. This is attributed to the physical interactions of GP particles with NR molecules. In addition, the Payne effect and improved thermal stability were also observed in the GP-filled NR composites. It was concluded that 10 phr of GP in NR composites might be suitable for some industrial applications.