Effect of Barium Titanate on the Mechanical and Piezoelectric Performance of Natural Rubber-Based Composites

Abstract

The effects of barium titanate (BaTiO3) filler on the rheology, mechanical, and piezoelectric properties of natural rubber (NR) based industrial rubber mixture were investigated. The results revealed lower time to reach 90% curing (tc90) and lower tensile strength and elongation at break values for BaTiO3-filled rubber composites compared to the pure rubber mixture. The piezoelectric charge constant (d(33)) and the generated voltage of BaTiO3-filled rubber composites increased up to 3 pC/N and 120 mV, respectively, for a total filler content of 40 vol.% with the increase of the filler content.