In the present study, the suitability of various chemical treatments to improve the performance of jute fibers (JFs) filled natural rubber (NR) composites was explored. The surface of JFs was modified by three different surface treatments, namely, alkali treatment, combined alkali/stearic acid treatment and combined alkali/silane treatment. Surface modified JFs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The reinforcing effect of untreated and surface treated JFs in NR composites was comparatively evaluated in terms of cure, mechanical, morphological and thermal properties. Combined alkali/silane treated JFs filled NR composite showed considerably higher torque difference, tensile modulus, hardness and tensile strength as compared to either untreated or other surface treated JFs filled NR systems. A crosslink density measurement suggested effective rubber-fibers interaction in combined alkali/silane treated JFs filled NR composite. Morphological analysis confirmed the improvement in the interfacial bonding between NR matrix and JFs due to combined alkali/silane treatment allowing an efficient “stress-transfer” mechanism. As a whole, combined alkali/silane treatment was found to be most efficient surface treatment method to develop strong interfacial adhesion between NR matrix and JFs.

Additive manufacturing, the so-called three-dimensional (3D) printing, is a revolutionary emerging technology. Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is the most used 3D printing technology in which the melted filament is extruded through the nozzle and builds up layer by layer onto the build platform. The layers are then fused together and solidified into final parts. Graphene-based materials have been positively incorporated into polymers for innovative applications, such as for the mechanical, thermal, and electrical enhancement. However, to reach optimum properties, the graphene fillers are necessary to be well dispersed in polymers matrix. This study aims to emphasise the interest of producing ABS/graphene oxide (GO) composites for 3D printing application. The ABS/GO composite filaments were produced using dry mixing and solvent mixing methods before further melt extruded to investigate the proper way to disperse GO into ABS matrix. The ABS/GO composite filament with 2 wt.% of GO, prepared from the solvent mixing method, was successfully printed into a 3D model. By adding GO, the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of ABS can be enhanced. However, the ABS/GO composite filament that was prepared via the dry mixing method failed to print. This could be attributed to the aggregation of GO, leading to the die clogging and failure of the printing process.

The searching of suitable alternatives to petroleum‐based fillers is an uncompromising challenge in present day rubber research. Recently, natural fibers are the part of great attention of both academic and industrial researchers due to their easy availability, environmental friendliness, and biodegradability. Natural fiber is cellulose‐rich material, which is preferentially used as alternative filler in rubber technology. This article reviews current advances in natural fibers filled rubber composites in terms of mechanical, thermal, and biodegradable properties (2010–2020). The incorporation of unmodified natural fibers as filler is not able to offer desired reinforcement in rubber composites. Several surface modification methods can be introduced to improve the overall performances of natural fibers filled rubber composites. Finally, the review clarifies present status and future prospects of natural fibers based advanced rubber composites in automobile industry. The successful designing of natural fibers based sustainable rubber composites can introduce a new era in green rubber technology.