Preparasi dan Karakterisasi Komposit Karet Alam (SIR 10)/Karet Stirena Butadiena dengan Pengisi Sepiolite

Abstract

This study examines the manufacture of natural rubber composites (SIR 10)/styrene butadiene rubber by varying the loading of sepiolite as a filler. The use of filler materials is a strategy to improve the properties of rubber. Sepiolite is a clay mineral that has a unique needle-like shape like a tunnel that can interact with rubber chains. This study aims to see the characteristics of sepiolite in rubber matrices with the best loading with its role as a filler and composite reinforcement. The first stage is the manufacture of NR/SBR-Sepiolite composite with additional additives using a two-roll mill machine. The same process is carried out for variations in the addition of sepiolite. In its manufacture, there is a vulcanization process of rubber compounds, in the pressing process using a hotpress at a temperature of 150°C. The optimum final result was obtained in the NR/SBR-Sepiolite 20 phr variation. The FTIR spectrum shows absorption at the wave numbers around the peak of about 2959.50 cm⁻¹, 2914.77 cm⁻¹, and 2847.68 cm⁻¹, as vibrational markers in the C-H of the C=C bond in NR. Sepiolite in the matrix can be observed in the absorption bands of 1013 cm-1 and 693 cm-1. XRD analysis showed that the presence of sepiolite could be observed at the peak of 2θ = 6.99° and the formation of NR/SBR amorphous structures at an angle of 19.71° with a hilly and wide diffraction pattern. The tensile strength characterization shows a tensile strength value of 4,90 MPa. Thermal stability analysis with TGA showed good thermal stability properties, and the results of SEM analysis showed that there was agglomeration at several points due to the properties of filler materials that bind each other between fillers.