Abstract
The partial replacement of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (R-PET) powder by the commercial fillers namely carbon black (N550), halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and silica in natural rubber composites were carried out. The fatigue life, thermogravimetric analysis, and morphology of natural rubber composites were investigated. Results indicated that the replacement of R-PET by commercial fillers increased the fatigue life of the composites where NR/R-PET/N550 composites showed superior fatigue life followed by NR/R-PET/HNTs and NR/R-PET/Silica composites. Replacement of R-PET with commercial fillers improved the thermal stability of the natural rubber composites where NR/R-PET/HNTs system exhibits higher decomposition temperature than those of NR/R-PET/N550 and NR/R-PET/HNTs composites respectively. SEM micrographs of the composites are in good agreement with the fatigue life observed whereby more roughness and matrix tearing lines indicating higher energy is required to cause a failure of the composites.
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