Particle size and particle–particle interactions on tensile properties and reinforcement of corn flour particles in natural rubber

A Review of Rubber Biocomposites Reinforced with Lignocellulosic Fillers

Lignocellulosic fillers have attracted considerable attention over the years as a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based fillers (carbon black) in rubber composites due to their renewability, biodegradability, availability, high mechanical properties, low density and low cost. Based on the literature available, a comprehensive review is presented here of rubber biocomposites reinforced with plant-based fillers. The study is divided into different sections depending on the matrix (natural or synthetic rubber) and the type of lignocellulosic fillers (natural fiber, microcrystalline cellulose, lignin and nanocellulose). This review focuses on the curing characteristics, mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical properties of the resulting rubber biocomposites. In addition, the effect of hybrid filler systems, lignocellulosic filler surface modification and modification of the rubber matrix on the properties of these rubber biocomposites are presented and compared. A conclusion is finally presented with some openings for future works.

Waste Natural Polymers as Potential Fillers for Biodegradable Latex-Based Composites: A Review

In recent years, biodegradable composites have become important in various fields because of the increasing awareness of the global environment. Waste natural polymers have received much attention as renewable, biodegradable, non-toxic and low-cost filler in polymer composites. In order to exploit the high potential for residual natural loading in latex composites, different types of surface modification techniques have been applied. This review discusses the preparation and characterization of the modified waste natural fillers for latex-based composites. The potency of the waste natural filler for the latex-based composites was explored with a focus on the mechanical, thermal, biodegradability and filler-latex interaction. This review also offers an update on the possible application of the waste natural filler towards the biodegradability of the latex-based composites for a more sustainable future.

Multi-objective optimization of process conditions in the manufacturing of banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) starch/natural rubber films

Multi-objective optimization was used to evaluate the effect of adding banana (Musa paradisiaca L.) starch and natural rubber (cis-1,4-poliisopreno) at different ratios (1-13w/w) to the manufacturing process of biodegradable films, specifically the effect on the biodegradability, crystallinity and moisture of the films. A structural characterization of the films was performed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and SEM, moisture and biodegradability properties were studied. The models obtained showed that degradability vs. moisture tend to be inversely proportional and crystallinity vs. degradability tend to be directly proportional. With respect to crystallinity vs. moisture behavior, it is observed that crystallinity remains constant when moisture values remain between 27 and 41%. Beyond this value there is an exponential increase in crystallinity. These results allow for predictions on the mechanical behavior that can occur in starch/rubber films.