Impact of cellulose physical‐mechanical treatment on elastomeric composite properties

This study deals with the treatment of cellulose (CEL) as a filler through physical and mechanical methods. The effect of filler treatment on the properties of elastomeric composites based on natural rubber (NR) and cellulose was analyzed. The mechanical treatment involved pressing cellulose at different time intervals (2 min ‐ 6 min) at a temperature of 110 °C. For physical treatment, a plasma discharge was applied. The treated cellulose, in an amount of 45 phr, was incorporated into natural rubber‐based elastomeric composites. The rheological, mechanical properties and cure characteristics of the prepared natural rubber/cellulose composites were examined to assess the impact of filler treatment on these properties. This study aims to determine the optimal combination of physical and mechanical treatment parameters for cellulose as a primary filler in elastomeric composites, comparing the results with composites containing untreated cellulose.