Dielectric characteristics of sisal-oil palm hybrid biofibre reinforced natural rubber biocomposites

Natural rubber was reinforced with sisal and oil palm fibers. Biocomposites were prepared by varying the weight fraction of the fibers. The dielectric properties such as dielectric constant, volume resisitivity and dielectric loss factor of the biocomposites were evaluated as a function of fiber loading, frequency and chemical modification of fibers. The dielectric constant values were found to be higher for fiber reinforced system than the gum due to polarization exerted by the incorporation of lignocellulosic fibers. Chemical modification of fibers resulted in decrease of dielectric constant values and volume resisitivity values. The volume resisitivity of the composites was found to decrease with fiber loading due to increase of hydrophilicity imparted by the lignocellulosic fibers. The dissipation factor was found to increase with fiber content.