Scientific Research and Essays Vol. 2 (5), 159-162, May 2007          
ISSN 1992-2248 © 2007 Academic Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Equilibrium sorption properties of palm kernel husk and N330 filled natural rubber vulcanizates as a function of filler volume fraction

Akporhonor, E. E.¹, Egwaikhide, P. A.^2* and Okieimen, F. E. ²

¹Department of Chemistry, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria.

²Industrial Agricultural Products Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: pegwaikhide@yahoo.com

Accepted 2 April, 2007

The absorption and diffusion of organic solvents such as toluene, diesel and kerosene into natural rubber vulcanizates filled with palm kernel husk and N330 was studied at ambient temperature, using the immersion/weight gain method. The results showed no further weight change after 24 h The absorption and the diffusion characteristics of the solvents in the palm kernel husk and N330 filled natural rubber vulcanizates were evaluated and the variation properties discussed in terms of the nature of the solvent, filler loading and nature of the filler.

Key words: Absorption, diffusion, palm kernel husk, filler, vulcanisates and natural rubber.