Cellulose Whiskers Derived from Banana Pseudo-Stem as Potential Reinforcement Filler for Tyre Tread Compounds

In this study, cellulose fibre was extracted from banana pseudo-stem and converted into cellulose whiskers (CWs) with high-pressure defibrillation method. The CWs were characterized using FTIR, XRD and the results conform the structure of cellulose. XRD studies showed that the percentage crystallinity of bleached fibres is about 93%. The particle size analysis showed a bimodal distribution for CWs where approximately 21% of the sample has average size of 110 nm. The rubber compounds were prepared according to a general tyre tread formulation while incorporating the purified CWs in diluted centrifuged latex (NR) followed by converting them into rubber sheets to produce cellulose whiskers/natural rubber CW/NR composite. Meanwhile, the control was prepared without incorporating CW in the diluted centrifuged latex.  The lowest Mooney viscosity and the highest stress relaxation coefficient of CW/NR composites ensured higher processability. Curing characteristics of the compounds were evaluated at 120 °C and physical properties were evaluated on par to the ASTM standards. The highest cure rate and better scorch time were observed in CW/NR composite. Most of the physical properties were superior. In overall, it is obvious that cellulose whiskers have a potential to use as reinforcing material for natural rubber tyre tread compounds.