Abstract

This study reports the development of an elastomeric dielectric material based on natural rubber (NR) composites reinforced with copper-modified activated carbon (Cu-Ac) derived from coconut shells. The Cu-Ac content was varied systematically (0, 5, 10, and 15 phr) at a fixed Cu concentration (2 wt%). The investigation focused on the influence of Cu-Ac content on various material properties, including curing time (tc⁹⁰), density, crosslink density, mechanical behavior, morphology, and dielectric response. The results revealed a significant impact of Cu-Ac content on the curing process, with an observed decrease in tc90 at higher Cu-Ac loadings (10 and 15 phr). However, crosslink density exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing Cu-Ac content. Encouragingly, the inclusion of Cu-Ac demonstrated a positive influence on the mechanical properties of the composite. Notably, the dielectric properties confirmed the effect of Cu-Ac on NR, with enhancements observed within the frequency range of 1.35 to 2.03 GHz. This study provides valuable insights into the influence of Cu-Ac content on NR composites, suggesting their potential for improved performance in dielectric applications.