Preparation and properties of biocomposite based on natural rubber and bagasse nanocellulose

Abstract

Biocomposite based on natural rubber (NR) and bagasse nanocellulose (BNC) was prepared in latex state. The mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of NR/BNC biocomposite were investigated. It was found that the addition of 3 wt% of BNC in NR film caused significant increase in modulus at 100% and 300% elongations and improved thermal stability of NR/BNC biocomposite. However, the strength at break and elongation at break of the biocomposite were not enhanced correlating to the morphological result obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM).