Synthesis, Characterization and Dye Removal Properties of Cellulose Nanocrystals Embedded Natural Rubber Latex Composite

Abstract

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were prepared from bleached wood pulp by the acid hydrolysis method. CNCs were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Natural rubber latex was oxidised using potassium permanganate. The oxidation of latex was confirmed using FTIR and UV-Visible Spectroscopy. Natural rubber latex composites were prepared using the as-prepared CNCs in two different weight percentages. Mechanical studies and microscopy analysis proved that the incorporation of CNCs into NR latex improved all the properties. Due to the presence of surface hydroxyl groups of CNCs, which can be exchanged with almost any contaminant ions present in water, the developed materials can be utilized for water purification. The composites effectively removed 92%, 79% and 67%, respectively, of basic dyes such as Victoria blue BO, Methyl violet 10B and Holacryl pink FG. The dye removal can be explained by the electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged CNCs and the positively charged dyes.

Synthesis and chemical modification of crystalline nanocellulose to reinforce natural rubber composites

“…While in most of the reported works, hand layup method, melt mixing, and solution casting are followed for CNC loading. [21][22][23][24][25] Therefore, the effect of surface modification on CNC dispersion through two roll mixing is presumed to be validated in the present investigation. Surface modification of CNC is done following a reported method where isocyanatepropyltriethoxysilane is employed.…”

“…It may be mentioned that we adopted two roll mill compounding, a simple and common technique, that is generally used to incorporate filler into the rubber matrix in industries for large scale production. While in most of the reported works, hand layup method, melt mixing, and solution casting are followed for CNC loading 21‐24 . Therefore, the effect of surface modification on CNC dispersion through two roll mixing is presumed to be validated in the present investigation.…”

“…23 There are also some reports on CNC based NR composites where achieving adequate reinforcement remains an issue. [24][25][26] Some groups have adopted different approach that is to modify the NR matrix to enhance its compatibility with CNC. Mariano et al achieved improved tensile properties using oxidized NR latex compatible with CNC while Roy et al used malleated NR latex to achieve better surface compatibility with CNC.…”

“…Thomas et al used zinc‐modified CNCs to achieve better dispersion in the NR matrix and very good tensile strength thereby 23 . There are also some reports on CNC based NR composites where achieving adequate reinforcement remains an issue 23‐25 . Some groups have adopted different approach that is to modify the NR matrix to enhance its compatibility with CNC.…”

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanocrystalline Cellulose as Reinforcement in Nitrile Butadiene Rubber Composites

“…A strong, broad peak is observed in the 3500 cm -1 region due to the O-H bond stretching vibration. 27 It is explained by the intra-and inter-hydrogen bonding of NCCs. 28 A significant increase in the peak intensity is noted with increasing HCl concentration from 1M to 5M.…”