Effects of cellulose nanocrystals on the vulcanization of natural rubber/cellulose nanocrystals nanocomposite and corresponding regulating strategies

Abstract

Vulcanization is a vital process in rubber processing, it endows rubber with valuable physical and mechanical properties, making rubber a widely used engineering material. In addition to vulcanization agent, reinforcing fillers play a non-ignorable influence on the vulcanization of rubber nanocomposites. Herein, the effects of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) on the vulcanization of natural rubber (NR)/CNCs nanocomposite was studied. It was found that even though the addition of CNCs can effectively improve the dispersion of ZnO in NR matrix, the vulcanization of NR was inhibited. This may be attributed to the CNCs' adsorption of vulcanizing agents (DM, ZnO) and the acidic chemical environment on the surface of CNCs. In order to improve the vulcanization

Cellulose nanocrystals from oil palm trunk biomass as a bio‐reinforcing filler for improved mechanical properties of modified natural rubber composites

“…For 25E composites, M H was slightly higher than that of the neat NR and 15E compounds, compared to the same level of CNC content. The higher epoxide level might improve rubber–CNC interaction that minimized the possible interaction between CNC and ZnO, the activator in vulcanization 34 . Moreover, it was found that the CNC amount did not influence the M H of rubber compounds because the amount of CNC might not be high enough to raise the M H of the rubber compounds.…”

“…The higher epoxide level might improve rubber-CNC interaction that minimized the possible interaction between CNC and ZnO, the activator in vulcanization. 34 Moreover, it was found that the CNC amount did not influence the M H of rubber compounds because the amount of CNC might not be high enough to raise the M H of the rubber compounds. A similar incident was reported by Bhagavatheswaran et al who found that nitrile rubber (NBR) filled with 5 and 10 phr of eggshell or CaCO 3 gave a slightly lower maximum torque than that of the neat NBR.…”

Preparation of modified sisal microcrystalline cellulose PHS‐g‐MCC and its application in NR/SiO2 composites

“…14 Although cellulose has many excellent advantages, the poor interfacial adhesion between cellulose and the polymer matrix, which makes it easily agglomerates in the polymer matrix and cannot exert its reinforcing effect and limits its application in the polymer matrix and is a major drawback in the use of natural fibers as reinforcement. [15][16][17] Therefore, cellulose needs to be modified before filling the polymer to improve the interfacial bonding between cellulose and the polymer matrix. Several studies have reported the application of cellulose as an effective filler for rubber composites in place of commonly used fillers such as carbon black (CB) and silica.…”