Creep and stress relaxation behavior of rubber nanocellulose composites

Elastomeric materials, such as crosslinked rubbers or thermoplastic elastomers, are fascinating materials because of their elastic extensibility derived from their molecular structure. Furthermore, they have low or moderate values of the modulus and are excellent options for antivibration materials in the industry with long-term services. Nevertheless, their time-dependent behavior is an unwanted characteristic and one of the most critical issues to consider in engineering design for these particular applications. On the other hand, cellulose is not only the most plentiful biological raw material but also it can self-assemble into well-definite structures at scales that go from micro to nanosizes. Moreover, the smart addition of nanocellulose (NC) in any of its multiple forms (nanofibers, crystals, nanoparticles) as reinforcing filler in rubbery materials can significantly enhance the resulting nanocomposites’ creep resistance and stress relaxation characteristics. Then, this chapter summarizes the recent findings of the stress relaxation behavior and creep of elastomeric NC composites.