Utilization of Agricultural Wastes as Filler in Natural Rubber Composite: Opportunities for Property Enhancement, Sustainable Waste Management, and Waste-To-Wealth Conversion

Abstract In this research, rubber composite was produced with natural rubber, modified periwinkle shell, carbon black (reference filler) and other additives using Banbury mixer, two-roll mill and compression moulding machine at the filler contents of 0 - 20 pphr and subjected to some physical property assessment. Mechanical property results of rubber/carbonized and uncarbonized periwinkle shell powder composite respectively obtained at the maximum filler content revealed improvement in tensile strength, modulus, hardness, abrasion resistance, specific gravity and reduction in elongation at break, flame retardancy, water absorption and compression set. Morphological analysis of composite samples with SEM provided evidence of uniform dispersion and interfacial interactions. Rubber/carbon black composite exhibited better improvement, but modified periwinkle shell is a substitute to carbon black in shoe soles and foot mats. The research provides means to manage periwinkle shell waste and convert it to wealth.