Dependence of Performance of Cellulose Nanofiber‐Based Rubber Composites on Processing Parameters Using Taguchi Design of Experiments

ABSTRACT Developing sustainable rubber composites is an absolute necessity across various industrial sectors, including the tire industry, to meet stringent demands, reduce carbon footprints, and address the depletion of nonrenewable resources. Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), with their excellent inherent properties, are a promising reinforcing filler for rubber composites. The final properties of the rubber composites depend strongly on the processing conditions. Optimizing mixing parameters can improve filler dispersion and, in turn, the final performance. It is complicated to identify the influence of different processing parameters by changing one variable at a time. Design of experiments (DOE) is ideal for multivariable analysis, helping in saving time and resources. We used Taguchi DOE to evaluate the effects of various mixing parameters, including mixing temperature, time, fill factor, and pressure. Taguchi responses for the Payne effect, tensile strength, static and dynamic modulus, and tan δ at 70°C were analyzed. Temperature and fill factor were found to have significant effects on nanocomposite properties. The intersecting lines from the interaction plots revealed the correlation between the different levels of the chosen factors. Optimizing different processing parameters, as demonstrated in this statistical study, will help design processing conditions that meet the property requirements of sustainable rubber composites.