Development and characterization of nanocellulose/ carbonized waste rubber nanocomposites

Recycling is one of the most popular research topics today. In this study, in addition to the evaluation of waste tires, which are frequently encountered in the industry and difficult to dispose of, a green biomaterial, nanocellulose-based new generation nanocomposite was produced and characterized for the first time. Carbonized waste rubber, obtained by pyrolysis of tire wastes, was reinforced with nanocellulose at levels of 0.10%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% by weight. The prepared nanocellulose-based nanocomposites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), morphological properties by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal properties by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical thermal (DMTA). In addition, the percentage of gel contents of the produced nanocomposites were determined. Thermal analyses revealed that the sample containing 1% carbonized waste rubber showed the highest thermal stability and at 750 °C the ash yield increased up to 25% compared to nanocellulose. The fabricated nanocomposites had about 10 times higher storage modulus compared to pure NC. All results show that the green nanocellulose-based nanocomposites can be used for future applications in industry.