Reinforcement of natural rubber using cellulose nanofibres isolated from Coconut spathe

Abstract

Cellulose nanofibres (CNF) extracted from Coconut spathe was used to prepare natural rubber (NR)/CNF composites. Cellulose nanofibres were prepared via acid hydrolysis of cellulose. This treatment assisted in dissolving regions of low lateral order leaving behind the water-insoluble, highly crystalline residue, which was then converted into a stable suspension by vigorous mechanical shearing action. The NR/CNF composites were prepared via latex stage mixing and co-coagulation of aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanofibres with NR latex. Tensile strength, tear strength and modulus at 300% elongation significantly increased for the nanocomposites with addition of CNFs whereas elongation at break decreased. DMA studies showed that storage modulus of the composites improved whereas thermal stability was unaffected by the addition of CNF. The susceptibility to organic solvents decreased for the composites compared to unfilled rubber, indicating the restriction in polymer chain mobility by the CNF present in NR matrix.