Physicomechanical properties of nanocomposites based on cellulose nanofibre and natural rubber latex

Cellulose nanofibres (CNF) with diameter 10-60 nm were isolated from raw banana fibres by steam explosion process. These CNF were used as reinforcing elements in natural rubber (NR) latex along with cross linking agents to prepare nanocomposite films. The effect of CNF loading on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical (DMA) properties of NR/CNF nanocomposite was studied. The morphological, crystallographic and spectroscopic changes were also analyzed. Significant improvement of Young's modulus and tensile strength was observed as a result of addition of CNF to the rubber matrix especially at higher CNF loading. DMA showed a change in the storage modulus of the rubber matrix upon addition of CNF which proves the reinforcing effect of CNF in the NR latex. A mechanism is suggested for the introduction of the Zn-cellulose complex and its three dimensional network as a result of the reaction between the cellulose and the Zinc metal which is originated during the composite formation. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.