Effect of Gamma Radiation on Properties of Cellulose Nanocrystal/Natural Rubber Nanocomposites

Abstract

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were extracted from corn cob and synthesized by alkaline treatment using 3 wt% sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Acid hydrolysis with 64 wt% sulfuric acid (H2SO4) at different reaction times (30, 45, 60 min) was performed to obtain CNC solutions. CNC was evaluated as a reinforcing agent in natural rubber (NR) at CNC loadings from 1-5 wt%. Gamma-ray radiation was used as vulcanization method and varied at 10 and 20 kGy. The tensile modulus and tensile strength of NR vulcanizates increased with addition of CNC and contents. In addition, radiation by gamma ray impacts the mechanical performance, where CNC/NR composites vulcanized with higher dose of radiation of 20 KGy were found to have the higher values in tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus than with 10 KGy. Moreover, the tensile strength and elongation at break of the composites after aging were found to slightly increase due to post-curing during the aging process.