Enhancement of mechanical properties of natural rubber latex sheets by incorporating allyl-modified microcrystalline cellulose (AMCC)

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was chemically modified with allyl bromide through the hydroxyl groups of cellulose to obtain allyl-modified microcrystalline cellulose (AMCC). To enhance the curing and mechanical properties of natural rubber latex, this AMCC was then compounded with a natural rubber latex formulation to produce rubber sheets. Unmodified MCC was also compounded and prepared into rubber sheets, which served as a reference. The formation of AMCC was confirmed using Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, the thermal behavior of AMCC was examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the degree of crystallinity before and after modification was evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results of the rubber sheets showed that overall, maximum torque (M H ), degree of crosslinking density, vulcanization rate (cure rate index), and tensile strength increased in AMCC-loaded rubber compared to MCC-loaded sheets. On the other hand, optimum cure time (t 90 ) and elongation at break were lower in the AMCC-loaded rubber than in the MCC-loaded sheets. In overall, this method outlines a successful incorporation of modified cellulose into natural rubber-based products to obtain enhanced mechanical properties. • Allyl cellulose (AMCC) was synthesized using allyl bromide. • AMCC shows low crystallinity and thermal stability than cellulose. • AMCC incorporation enhanced the mechanical properties of rubber latex composites. • The MDR and tensile data confirmed the mechanical properties enhancement. • AMCC can enhance the mechanical properties of commercial latex products.