Novel hybrid natural rubber nanocomposites with carbon nanotube and cellulose nanofiber for strain-sensitive sensor

Abstract

A natural rubber (NR) filled with hybrid filler of carbon nanotube (CNT) and cellulose nanofiller (CNF) was prepared by masterbatch latex mixing method. The proportion of CNT:CNF was varied at 1:0.05, 1:0.5, and 1:1. The properties, including mechanical, electrical, and strain sensitivity, of the hybrid NR nanocomposites for use as a sensor were investigated. Raman spectrum confirmed the interaction between CNT and CNF, as indicated by the upshift in the D and G bands and the decrease in I D /I G ratio with the increased proportion of CNF. In addition, the particle analyzer presented the finest dispersion of CNT in the CNT–CNF 1:0.05 hybrid, whereas the agglomeration of CNT and CNF particles occurred with the high proportion of CNF owing to the interaction between CNT and CNF particles. Moreover, the good dispersion of CNT in the NR/CNT–CNF 1:0.05 resulted in an improved electrical conductivity. Although the high CNF proportion caused the increased interaction between the functional groups of CNT and CNF, it induced a stable and flexible conducting network in the hybrid NR nanocomposites, which promoted the strain-sensitive property for the application of NR nanocomposites as sensors. • Masterbatch latex mixing was used to prepared NR hybrid nanocomposites. • Proper CNF proportion hindered the agglomeration of CNT. • CNT-CNF hybrid at ratio 1:0.05 increased mechanical and electrical properties. • CNT-CNF interaction induced a stable and flexible conducting network.