Application of cellulose as green filler for the development of sustainable rubber technology

Abstract

The continuous searching of non-petroleum based green natural fillers is an appealing challenge in modern rubber research. In the recent times, rubber researchers have given special attention on the application of cellulose as green reinforcing material for rubber composites (2016-till date). More interestingly, both microcrystalline and nanocrystalline cellulose have been utilized to increase mechanical and thermal properties of rubber composites. Surface modification of cellulose is the most important step in order to achieve optimum mechanical properties of cellulose filled rubber composites. Nanocrystalline cellulose can effectively enhance the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of rubber composites at very low filler loading level. In the last part, the review will elucidate the present status and future perspectives of cellulose based advanced rubber composites in industrial purpose. According to the present review, cellulose can be chosen as an attractive replacement of common petroleum based fillers in rubber technology. In other words, the successful development of cellulose filled sustainable rubber composites will be an interesting part in the upcoming green rubber technology.