Converting agro-waste into innovative tires: Ground sugarcane bagasse for environmentally friendly rubber reinforcement

Ground sugarcane bagasse (GSB), an agro-waste rich in lignocellulosic components, was studied as a sustainable bio-filler in natural rubber (NR) tread compounds to lessen reliance on petroleum-derived carbon black (CB). A control formulation with 45 phr CB was compared to hybrid formulations with 40, 35, and 30 phr CB mixed with 5, 10, and 15 phr GSB. Tensile strength 13.1 MPa, elongation at break 700%, and hardness 67 Shore A were all optimally balanced by the compound containing 10 phr GSB (S2), while also exhibiting good cure behavior and thermal stability. Improved tire performance characteristics were confirmed by a dynamic mechanical study, which showed that tan δ at 60 °C decreased by 8.0% (resulting in lower rolling resistance) and increased by 3.9% (improving wet traction) at 0°C. The Payne effect showed improved filler dispersion as a result of GSB partially replacing CB. The results show that appropriately dispersed GSB can partially reinforce NR, enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability. However, larger GSB loadings decrease modulus, tear strength, and abrasion resistance due to lower interfacial adhesion and the presence of micro-voids. According to this study, pulverized sugarcane bagasse shows promise as an environmentally friendly filler for green tire applications, promoting the circular economy and lowering the carbon footprint of rubber compounding.