Bamboo fibre reinforced natural rubber composites were prepared by incorporation of different loadings of bamboo
fibre. Two series of composites were studied i.e. composites with and without the presence of a bonding agent. The
curing characteristics of the composites were determined and the composites were vulcanized at 150°C using a hot
press. The properties of the composites such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, tear strength, elongation at break and
hardness were studied. The adhesion between the bamboo fibre and the natural rubber were enhanced by the addition
of bonding agent as exhibited by the tensile fracture surfaces of the composites using scanning electron microscopy
(SEM). The presence of bonding agent also gave shorter curing time and enhanced mechanical properties. 2001
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