Crosslinked natural rubber nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose whiskers isolated from bamboo waste: Processing and mechanical/thermal properties

Crosslinked natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites were prepared using cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) that were extracted from bamboo pulp residue of newspaper production, as the reinforcing phase. The coagulated NR latex containing bamboo nanowhiskers (master batch) was compounded with solid NR and vulcanizing agents using a two-roll mill and subsequently cured to introduce crosslinks in the NR phase. No evidence of micro-scaled aggregates of cellulose nanowhiskers in NR matrix was observed in Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images. The addition of CNWs had a positive impact on the tensile strength, E-modulus, storage modulus, tan delta peak position and thermal stability of the crosslinked NR. Theoretical modeling of the mechanical properties showed a lower performance than predicated and therefore further process optimization and/or compatibilization are required to reach the maximum potential of these nanocomposites.