Abstract The purpose of this work is to present the
results of preparing a polymeric composite with enhanced
properties based on natural rubber and hemp. Amounts of
10 and 20 phr hemp were used to obtain the composites.
The samples have been processed by sulfur vulcanization
and characterized by several methods. The mechanical
characteristics, gel fraction, cross-link density, rubberfiber
interactions and water uptake have been investigated
depending on the hemp content. Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) techniques were also employed for characterization.
The values of hardness, tensile strength and tearing
strength have increased with the fiber content increasing
due to the interaction between the fibers and natural rubber.
Also, good adhesion between hemp fibers and rubber
matrix was observed in SEM micrographs. The gel fraction
value was over 95 % for all composites and increased
with the increasing of hemp content. The cross-link density
was determined on the basis of equilibrium solvent-swelling
measurements applying the modified Flory–Rehner