Role of nanocellulose geometric structures on the properties of green natural rubber composites
Milanta Tom
, Sabu Thomas, Bastien Seantier, Yves Grohens, Mohamed Pulikaparambil Kochaidrew, Ramakrishnan Subramanian, Tapas Ranjan Mohanty, Henri Vahabi, Hanna Joseph Maria, Jibin Keloth Paduvilan, Martin George Thomas
, Sabu Thomas, Bastien Seantier, Yves Grohens, Mohamed Pulikaparambil Kochaidrew, Ramakrishnan Subramanian, Tapas Ranjan Mohanty, Henri Vahabi, Hanna Joseph Maria, Jibin Keloth Paduvilan, Martin George ThomasVol. 18., No.6., Pages 638-655, 2024
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2024.47
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2024.47
Corresponding author: Sabu Thomas 
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
The augmented demand for
sustainable nanocomposites has paved the way to explore naturally derived
materials. Nanocellulose, with its bountiful sources and inherent properties,
ranks top in the list of biofillers with a perspective of reducing the carbon
footprint. A systematic study is required to understand the reinforcing effect
of various types of nanocellulose. In the present work, we selected three types
of nanocellulose, i.e.,
cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and microfibrillated
cellulose (MFC), to investigate the effect of geometrical structure on the
properties of unvulcanized natural rubber (NR). Incorporating these fillers
improved the tensile strength and modulus of natural rubber films significantly
through reinforcement via filler network structure. The reinforcing effect of
CNF was found to be higher compared to CNC and MFC, where an increase of 3.85
MPa in tensile strength from the neat sample was obtained. More uniform
dispersion was evident through transmission electron microscopy, atomic force
microscopy and Raman imaging for CNF in the rubber matrix. The structural
properties were determined using Raman spectra and X-ray diffraction. The rheological
studies revealed a good interaction between filler and NR. The work presented
comprehensively compares different types of nanocellulose as reinforcing filler
in NR matrix, which will help the researchers select an ideal type for their
specific application and, thus, the proper usage of renewable resources,
leading to sustainability and a circular economy.
RELATED ARTICLES
Rattanawadee Hedthong, Thorsak Kittikorn, Suding Kadea, Phuthanet Bamrungsiri
Vol. 19., No.4., Pages 423-440, 2025
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2025.31
Vol. 19., No.4., Pages 423-440, 2025
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2025.31
This research aimed to enhance the properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) biocomposites by incorporating hemp microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Additionally, to improve interfacial adhesion between PHBV and MCC phases, a compatibilizer consisting of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) grafted with microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) modified by vinyltrimethoxysilane (ENR-vinyl silanized MFC) was introduced. The addition of 5 wt% MCC increases the flexural modulus by approximately 65%. The use of ENR-vinyl silanized MFC as a compatibilizer demonstrated improved compatibility, as observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. After 30 days of accelerated weathering (QUV) exposure, the flexural strength of the PHBV-based biocomposite with ENR-vinyl silanized MFC and MCC (vinyl silanized MFC biocomposite) was superior to that of the other samples. The remaining flexural strength can be sequentially categorized as follows: vinyl silanized MFC > MFC > non-MFC > PHBV. The Tg of PHBV-based biocomposites showed no significant change. Interestingly, the crystallinity of the vinyl silanized MFC biocomposite was the highest among all materials and demonstrated higher hydrophobicity. This makes the vinyl silanized MFC biocomposite a suitable material for construction, furniture, and both exterior and interior decoration.
Nabil Hayeemasae, Sitisaiyidah Saiwari, Siriwat Soontaranon, Mohamad Irfan Fathurrohman, Abdulhakim Masa
Vol. 19., No.3., Pages 339-349, 2025
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2025.24
Vol. 19., No.3., Pages 339-349, 2025
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2025.24
Natural rubber (NR) composites filled with silica and crosslinked with phenolic resin were prepared in this study. The influence of a small sepiolite addition (1–5 part(s) per hundred parts of rubber, phr) on the properties of NR composites was studied. It was found that sepiolite reduced silica aggregate size, allowing improved dispersion in the NR matrix. Sepiolite facilitates silica dispersion by locating at the silica surfaces and acting as a barrier that prevents agglomeration of silica filler. The swelling resistance, crosslink density, tensile strength, and strain-induced crystallization were all strengthened by incorporating sepiolite because of the improved silica dispersion. The greatest tensile strength was achieved at a 2 phr sepiolite addition level. The improvement was about 18% over the reference composite due to the greatest filler-rubber interactions and the finest filler dispersion. The results clearly indicate that sepiolite clay can be applied as a dispersing agent in silica-containing rubber composites.
Mohammad Mehdi Alighanbari, Firoozeh Danafar, Araam Namjoo, Asma Saeed
Vol. 19., No.1., Pages 15-46, 2025
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2025.3
Vol. 19., No.1., Pages 15-46, 2025
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2025.3
The environmental and ecological concerns drive researchers to synthesize functional materials using components from natural resources. Nanocellulose (NC), derived from plants, marine animals, or microorganisms, is a green material attracting attention due to its abundance, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. NC’s interstice properties enable the synthesis of functional nanocomposites in forms like aerogels, foams, paper, sheets, or hollow filaments. This review briefly describes NC classification and production while comprehensively presenting its mechanical, rheological, optical, and electrical properties, offering foundational knowledge for future research. Additionally, it highlights recent developments in NC-based products across fields such as papermaking, water treatment, civil engineering, electronics, cosmetics, food, and medicine. For the first time, this paper explores recent advances in NC molecular simulation, providing insights into structure, arrangement, and interactions through molecular dynamic simulation. Finally, future prospects for NC-based applications are discussed to encourage studies addressing current challenges.
Michaela Džuganová, Radek Stoček, Marek Pöschl, Ján Kruželák, Andrea Kvasničáková, Ján Hronkovič, Jozef Preťo
Vol. 18., No.12., Pages 1277-1290, 2024
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2024.95
Vol. 18., No.12., Pages 1277-1290, 2024
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2024.95
This study explores the transformative potential of calcium lignosulfonate (CaL) as a sustainable additive in rubber composites based on nitrile rubber (NBR) and styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). Through comprehensive mechanical testing, fatigue crack growth (FCG) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), we evaluated the tensile strength, elongation at break, surface morphology, and crack growth behavior of these innovative composites. By incorporating CaL into carbon black-reinforced rubber compounds (RUB/CB) based on nitrile rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber, we achieved good dispersion of both components as well as satisfactory morphology, resulting in tensile strengths of 16.3 and 12.7 MPa, respectively. While the CB/CaL hybrid did not significantly influence the intrinsic strength of the rubber samples, the ultimate strength of these compounds increased drastically – over five-fold compared to RUB/CB – indicating great potential for real-life applications. This study underscores the promise of lignin-based additives in the development of eco-friendly, highperformance rubber materials.
Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa, Suchart Siengchin
Vol. 18., No.12., Pages 1176-1177, 2024
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2024.89
Vol. 18., No.12., Pages 1176-1177, 2024
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2024.89
This is an editorial article. It has no abstract.
