UTILIZATION OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL FILTER SEDIMENT WASTE AS A SUSTAINABLE PLASTICIZER ALTERNATIVE TO AROMATIC OIL IN RUBBER COMPOUNDING
P. L. L. Arunodhi1* and H. D. S. Vishwa2
1,2 Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
Session: Technical Session C
Abstract
Plasticizers are non-volatile chemicals with low molecular weights that enhance the flexibility and processability of polymers. In the rubber sector, plasticizers are typically derived from petroleum or mineral oil derivatives. One major disadvantage of petroleum-based oils is that they are a non-renewable resource. Additionally, mineral oils with high aromatic concentrations may possess carcinogenic properties. The ban on the consumption of polyaromatic oils has posed challenges for the oil and rubber research sectors in developing sustainable alternatives. The extracted virgin coconut oil is filtered through ugh plate and filter press. When using gravity filters, sediment may still settle at the bottom of the container over time. This waste is frequently discarded into the environment, but it can also be utilized depending on its content. This study focuses on using filter sediment waste as a replacement for aromatic oil rubber compounding. The mixing process involved a two- roll mill followed by vulcanization using the compression moulding method. Collected sediment waste (Moisture content < 3%) was used to replace aromatic oil dosage in increments of 0 %, 25 %, 50 %,75% and 100 % by weight percentage. The results revealed that this replacement led to reduction in physio-mechanical properties such as tensile strength, specific gravity, and elongation at break. Simultaneously, hardness, abrasion resistance, 300% modulus and tear strength showed an increasing trend. Careful formulation is necessary to optimize the level of filter sediment waste used as a plasticizer to achieve the desired properties of rubber compound. The rubber composite with 25 % weight replacement of sediment waste for aromatic oil exhibit significantly better performance. This can be due to the inherent properties of sediment waste which promotes greater compatibility with polymer base and aromatic oil. The newly identified 25% replacement can be applied during manufacturing applications offering commercial benefits while contributing to the reduction of aromatic oil usage and ensuring environment sustainability through the utilization of waste material.
Keywords: aromatic oil, plasticizer, sustainable, rubber compounding, virgin coconut oil
DOI: 10.64752/PMXU6974