Regenerated cellulose in elastomer compounds

Abstract

Natural rubber vulcanizates showed an unexpected reinforcement effect with regenerated cellulose as filler, with maximum tensile properties at 15 phr cellulose. These rubber compounds were compared with analogous mixtures containing SRF black, and a similar system in which the elastomer was SBR. The swelling behaviour of these compounds was studied. The density of crosslinks was determined in heptane and benzene using the equation of Flory and Rehner. The crosslink density is higher in vulcanizates containing regenerated cellulose than in vulcanizates containing carbon black. It is also higher when the swelling is done in heptane than when it is done in benzene; SBR shows a higher crosslink density than NR when heptane and benzene were used. The crosslink density increases when the amount of filler increases for the experimental conditions.