Novel CNC/silica hybrid as potential reinforcing filler for natural rubber compounds

Abstract

This work describes the development of a low‐density, renewable, and high reinforcing filler for natural rubber (NR) compounds. The cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)‐based hybrid filler was synthesized by decorating the surface of CNCs with silica using a simple and efficient coprecipitation method. The properties of the prepared hybrid were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption measurements, and Thermogravimetric analysis. Then, the prepared hybrid was incorporated in NR using two different approaches, namely, dry mixing and coprecipitation. The dynamic and tensile mechanical properties of the hybrid/NR compounds were evaluated indicating that: the coprecipitation method was found much more effective for homogeneous dispersion and the CNC/silica hybrid provided quite higher reinforcement to NR than reference silica; however, much lower density of the final compounds was obtained. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48332.

Dual-Silane Premodified Silica Nanoparticles─Synthesis and Interplay between Chemical, Mechanical, and Curing Properties of Silica–Rubber Nanocomposites: Application to Tire Tread Compounds

“…With the growing need to find sustainable filler materials, research in the fillers domain becomes driven by the challenging task to make new fillers cope with previous technology performance levels . The filler morphology is another important research topic, and extensive work is being conducted on the use of anisotropic fillers − based on silica, clay, or cellulose nanocrystals. Other strategies, not focusing on the filler itself, work around the opportunity to valorize waste as a usable resource for the tire industry .…”

Study on the Use of CTAB-Treated Illite as an Alternative Filler for Natural Rubber

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Preparation of an eco‐friendly carbon–silicon dual‐phase rubber filler with humic acid and silica sol

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