Abstract

• This research work mainly concerned with the characterization of banana stem fiber(BSF) and egg shell powder(ESP)- natural rubber composites. Banana stem fiber and egg shell powder were used as fillers in the process of preparation of natural rubber composites. The banana stem fiber and egg shell powder-natural rubber composites were prepared by moulding method with various weight ratio (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %) of banana stem fiber and egg shell powder and were also characterized by modern technique such as SEM. The mechanical properties such as hardness, specific gravity, tensile strength, elongation at break and tear strength of banana stem fiber and egg shell powder- natural rubber composites were determined by standard rubber testing methods. From the experimental results, it was found that as the BSF and ESP loading increased, hardness and specific gravity also increased. Tensile strength of BSF and ESP composites decreased as BSF and ESP loading increased. Scanning electron micrograph results of both revealed that the distribution and adhesion interaction between the fillers and rubber matrix was good. It was generally observed that the egg shell powder presented better potentials for reinforcement than the banana stem fiber. These composites can be used as an alternative for various industrial applications.