Abstract

• The present research work focuses on the preparation and characterization of natural rubber composite by incorporation of chitosan as filler into the rubber matrix. In the preparation of natural rubber chitosan composites, the chitosan powder loading were 0 %, 2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 % and 10 %. The rubber chitosan composite compounding was prepared by using two roll mills and then molded by compression molding method. The mechanical properties of natural rubber chitosan composites such as specific gravity, tensile modulus (MPa), tensile strength (MPa), elongation at break (%) and tear strength (kN/m) were determined by standard rubber testing methods (ASTM). The result suggested that increasing the chitosan powder loading, specific gravity and tensile modulus of the composites were increased and tensile strength, elongation at break and tear strength of the composites were decreased. The prepared natural rubber chitosan composites were characterized by SEM technique.