Natural rubber composites with hydrochar as a partial filler: investigation of kinetic parameters

Abstract

Reducing the environmental impact of the rubber industry has emerged as a major challenge, and one potential solution that has garnered significant attention is incorporating hydrochar as a partial filler in natural rubber composites. Hydrochar was obtained through hydrothermal carbonization treatment of hardwood waste biomass, and it has been found to have potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional filler carbon black. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of varying hydrochar and carbon black content in natural rubber composites, while keeping the total filler amount constant at 50 phr. The study's findings indicated that higher hydrochar content resulted in a greater curing activation energy, facilitating the manufacture of larger natural rubber vulcanizates that required extended curing periods at reduced temperatures. The rubber industry's stringent environmental regulations have created a pressing need for sustainable alternatives, and incorporating hydrochar as a partial filler could offer a promising solution by repurposing waste materials into a valuable component for rubber composites.