Evaluation of use of Tea waste Bio-Char (TBC) as alternative filler for Natural Rubber (NR)

Abstract

Tea waste generated in tea factories, which is the portion that cannot be marketed, is an abundant natural waste in Sri Lanka. Some of the tea manufacturers have converted this bulk waste into its bio-char by using pyrolysis in addition of using for composting and soil conditioning. Considering the high carbon content shown in bio-char, and its nature of biodegradability, renewability, high moisture, smells, toxins and electrosmogs absorption ability, and low thermal conductivity, powdered tea waste bio-char (TBC) can be used as filler in rubbers and will tend to use in a wide spectrum of applications. Bio-char obtained from different natural sources have been researching for different applications especially as filler for different rubbers. However, using TBC in NR as filler is novel. This study adduces the results of proximate analysis of TBC, cure properties, and mechanical properties of TBC/NR composites such as tensile properties, tear strength, hardness, with respect to TBC particle size (125 µm< X < 250 µm and 125 µm X)and loadings from 10 phr to 50 phr at 10 phr intervals. The properties were compared with those of NR composites prepared with carbon black conventional filler (N330). Microscopic images of cross sections of composites were used in order to explain the trends in properties obtained.