Biopolymers as effective fillers in natural rubber: Composites versus biocomposites

Abstract

Biocomposites of natural rubber (NR) blends were prepared with a variety of fillers obtained from renewable resources by a mastication technique. They were characterized for their mechanical properties and morphologies and compared with composites of the conventional filler carbon black (c-black). The biopolymers exhibited an interesting trend and imparted strength to NR that was quite comparable to c-black. Up to 30 phr of the fillers could be successfully incorporated; this led to enhancements in the mechanical strength. The properties were found to vary with the type and ratio of filler, namely, starch, cellulose, and chitin. The optimum mechanical strength of the biocomposites was observed at 10 phr. The results were interpreted on the basis of the morphology by scanning electron microscopy, which revealed strong filler-polymer interactions. The moisture-uptake characteristics of the composites were studied. It was found that addition of biofillers did not lead to a significant increase in the moisture absorption. Furthermore, as the adhesion between the polymer matrix and fillers increased, the water uptake decreased.

Role of Biopolymers in Green Nanotechnology

“…Carbon black (CB) manufactured by burning oil or natural gas in controlled conditions is the most important reinforcing agent [2]. But because of its origin from petroleum, it causes pollution and gives black color to the rubber.…”

“…However, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of biocomposites suggested that the degradation temperatures of biocomposites are in close proximity with those of carbon black composites ( Another major drawback of polysaccharides is their hydrophilic nature leading to low degrees of adhesion between fiber and matrix [11]. Moisture absorption takes place by three types of mechanisms namely diffusion, capillarity, and transport via micro cracks [2]. Among the three, diffusion is considered to be the major mechanism.…”

Design and development of engineering component using natural rubber biocomposites

“…Due to its origin of being a by-product of petroleum, excessive use of carbon black poses a threat to the environment. Carbon black loading also causes the color of the rubber product produced to be black [5]. Therefore, studies have been carried out to replace the use of carbon black with biofillers which is more environmental friendly and wide availability.…”

Nanosized cellulose derivatives as green reinforcing agents at higher loadings in natural rubber

“…Our group has focused on highlighting the reinforcing ability of various polysaccharides, including starch, by employing commercial mixing methods . Starch derivatives have been found to induce excellent reinforcement in NR up to filler loadings of 30 phr.…”

“…Our group has focused on highlighting the reinforcing ability of various polysaccharides, including starch, by employing commercial mixing methods. [21][22][23] Starch derivatives have been found to induce excellent reinforcement in NR up to filler loadings of 30 phr. In this study, the development of nanocomposites highly filled (>50 phr) with cellulosic fillers was attempted.…”