Reuse of Activated Carbon Filter Waste as Filler in Vulcanized Rubber Composites

Abstract

The incorporation of residues into rubber composites has gained attention as a sustainable strategy to address waste management challenges while replacing commercial fillers. In this study, we investigated the potential use of water filter cartridge residue after exhaustion, composed of activated carbon, as a reinforcing filler in vulcanized natural rubber composites. Samples were prepared with 5, 10, 15, and 20 phr (per hundred rubber) of residue and compared to unfilled natural rubber. Stress vs. strain tests reached 13.9 MPa of tension at rupture for composites containing 10 phr of carbon-activated residues, representing a 21.9% increase compared to natural rubber. Interestingly, the tension at rupture for NR/AC10phr reached values close to those of NR/CB5phr (with carbon black N330) attaining 14.4 MPa. These results indicate that, even at relatively low concentrations, the carbon filter can offer partial substitution for commercial fillers. Moreover, the use of activated carbon from filter cartridges as filler in rubber composites provides an environmentally favorable alternative to energy-intensive regeneration processes for activated carbon.