Novel hybrid natural rubber nanocomposites with carbon nanotube and cellulose nanofiber for strain-sensitive sensor

A natural rubber (NR) filled with hybrid filler of carbon nanotube (CNT) and cellulose nanofiller (CNF) was prepared by masterbatch latex mixing method. The proportion of CNT:CNF was varied at 1:0.05, 1:0.5, and 1:1. The properties, including mechanical, electrical, and strain sensitivity, of the hybrid NR nanocomposites for use as a sensor were investigated. Raman spectrum confirmed the interaction between CNT and CNF, as indicated by the upshift in the D and G bands and the decrease in I-D/I-G ratio with the increased proportion of CNF. In addition, the particle analyzer presented the finest dispersion of CNT in the CNT-CNF1:0.05 hybrid, whereas the agglomeration of CNT and CNF particles occurred with the high proportion of CNF owing to the interaction between CNT and CNF particles. Moreover, the good dispersion of CNT in the NR/CNT-CNF1:0.05 resulted in an improved electrical conductivity. Although the high CNF proportion caused the increased interaction between the functional groups of CNT and CNF, it induced a stable and flexible conducting network in the hybrid NR nanocomposites, which promoted the strain-sensitive property for the application of NR nanocomposites as sensors.

Automated summary

In this study, a natural rubber (NR) filled with a hybrid filler of carbon nanotube (CNT) and cellulose nanofiller (CNF) was prepared by the masterbatch latex mixing method. The mechanical, electrical, and strain-sensitive properties of the hybrid NR nanocomposites were investigated. The results showed that there was interaction between CNT and CNF, leading to optimal dispersion and electrical conductivity in the CNT-CNF1:0.05 hybrid. However, at high CNF proportions, agglomeration of CNT and CNF particles occurred, but a stable and flexible conducting network was formed in the hybrid NR nanocomposites, enhancing their strain-sensitive property for sensor applications.