Diffusion and Swelling Properties

Diffusion and swelling studies of biofiber-reinforced rubber composites are very important as they provide information about its interface and the service performance in liquid environment. On absorption of liquid, the composite undergoes a diffusion process, which involves transfer of Hquid to its interior. Hence, the material swells as a whole, which leads to gradual deterioration in its physical and mechanical properties and subsequent premature failure. Several factors such as chemical structure and composition of the rubber compound, solvent, test piece size and shape, rubber-liquid ratio, temperature, time, presence of fillers affect the swelling behavior of elastomers. 

Rather than water, the solvent-swelling characteristics of NR composites containing both untreated and mercerized isora fibers were investigated in aromatic and ahphatic solvents such as toluene and -hexane [48]. The uptake of aromatic 

X represents the conventionally cured composites b represents the bonding agent. 

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