The synergistic effect of carbon nanofibers and nonionic surfactant on the electrical, curing and mechanical properties of natural rubber composites was investigated. The electrical properties of the natural rubber vulcanizates were measured, according to ISO 2878. The curing characteristics and mechanical properties were also evaluated in the cured natural rubber vulcanizates. The results indicated that the electrical resistance was significantly reduced when co-incorporating carbon nanofibers and a non-ionic surfactant and the percolation threshold value was 8 pce (parts per 100 g of rubber). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay. Considering the processing characteristics, it was found that natural rubber vulcanizate containing 2 phr of carbon nanofibers and non-ionic surfactant exhibited low values ​​of optimal curing time (t90) compared to carbon nanofibers and surfactant non-ionic alone. Natural rubber vulcanizates obtained better mechanical properties with low loading of carbon nanofibers and nonionic surfactant combination. This study will lead to the fabrication of electrically conductive natural rubber composites containing a low amount of carbon nanofibers, with improved curing and mechanical properties. Electrically conductive polymer composites are used in electromagnetic shielding materials, self-regulating heaters, pressure sensors, etc. Different carbon materials have been used to make electrically conductive natural rubber composites; such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes and graphene. Large quantities of carbon black must be used to make electrically conductive natural rubber composites. Expensive methods must be used to synthesize carbon nanotubes and graphene. Metal particles like nickel, aluminum, and iron have been used to make electrically conductive polymers. Machine wear problems were caused when compounding metal particles into the polymer matrix. Carbon fiber has been mainly used as an electrical conductive material in different rubber matrices; such as silicon [6] and chloroprene rubber. The electrical and mechanical properties of NBR, EPDM and their blends were investigated by incorporating acetylene black and short carbon fibers. Carbon fiber/natural rubber and carbon fiber/ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) composites used for electromagnetic shielding were reported by Das et al. where the percolation value was 15 phr (parts per 100 g of rubber) for carbon fiber/natural rubber composites. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Nonionic surfactants have been used as an antistatic agent in rubber composites, due to its electrically conductive property. Nonionic surfactants have also been used to improve the dispersion of reduced graphene oxide in rubber latex. A large amount of carbon fiber gives a dark color to the rubber composite and could adversely affect the application of conductive rubber. When nonionic surfactants are used in large quantities, it may cause blooming phenomenon..