The effect of naturally occurring hematite (α-Fe2O3) particles on composites based on
natural rubber (NR) was investigated. The matrix was composed of 100g of NR, whereas α-Fe2O3
particles obtained from Kastina State in Nigeria were loaded in varying amounts of 3g, 5g and 7g. The
compounding of the constituent materials was achieved with the aid of a two-roll mill in line with
ASTM D15-627. The compounded mixtures were processed into their final shapes using compression
molding machines. Tensile properties and flexural properties of the resultant composite samples were
studied based on ASTM D638 and ASTM D7264/ASTM D7264M-07, respectively. On the other hand,
the electrical conductivity of the samples was investigated in line with ASTM D257-07. The
mineralogical composition of the filler sample was studied through the use of X-ray Fluorescence
(XRF). XRF results showed that the filler was predominantly composed of α-Fe2O3. Tensile properties
and flexural properties increased due to an increase in filler content. Additionally, the electrical
conductivity of the composites increased with an increase in filler loading. Scanning electron
microscope (SEM) images revealed filler-matrix adhesion in the composite samples. From the
foregoing, α-Fe2O3 can serve as an alternative reinforcement for NR-based composites.
