Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a filler treatment: effects on mechanical, morphological and swelling properties of poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC)/epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)/kenaf core powder composites

Abstract

The effects of SDS treatment on properties of PVC/ENR/kenaf core powder composites were studied. Four different loadings of kenaf core powder (5, 10, 15 and 20 phr) were used. Samples were prepared using a Haake Polydrive with the temperature of 140 °C and rotor speed of 50 rpm, with the processing time of 8 min. Processing torque and stabilization torque during the compounding process were recorded. Tensile properties indicated that the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites exhibited an increase for samples with SDS treatment. Morphological analysis using SEM showed better interfacial adhesion of kenaf fibre with SDS treatment with less kenaf powder agglomeration. Furthermore, swelling index indicated that the composites with SDS treatment show lower absorption of solvent compared to composites without SDS treatment.