Composites/Nanocomposites of natural rubber with carbonaceous micro-/nano-reinforcements—research trends and scientific distinctions

Natural rubber or cis-1,4-poly(isoprene) (Hevea brasiliensis) has been considered as an essential technical material owing to fine elasticity, crack resistance, mechanical features, etc. Novel review fundamentally comprehends design, features, and performance of natural rubber derived composites/nanocomposites. The properties of natural rubber derived materials have been found dependent on micro-/nano-reinforcement type, processing parameters, dispersion, polymer-filler interactions, and morphological characteristics. Natural rubber composites have been developed using micro sized fillers. Consequently, natural rubber composites have been reinforced with carbon black, graphite, and carbon fiber like fillers. Whereas, nanocomposites have been fabricated using nano scale nanofillers. Subsequently, nanocomposites of natural rubber with essential nanofillers (graphene, carbon nanotube, etc.) have been reported. Hence, fillers/nanofillers have been reinforced to improve material properties such as morphology, conductivity, mechanical strength, heat stability, heat conductivity, and other physical features. Ensuing high performance natural rubber derived composite/nanocomposites gained research attention in technical applications like sensors, radiation shielding, and biomedical field.