1 Natural Rubber Composites and Nanocomposites: State-of-the-Art, New Challenges, and Opportunities 1
Visakh. P.M. and Shiv Kumari Panda

1.1 Natural Rubber–Bamboo Composites for Noise Control Applications 1

1.2 Natural Rubber-Based Bio-Composites and Bio-Nanocomposites 4

1.3 Mechanical, Dynamical/Mechanical, Electrical, and Thermal Properties of Natural Rubber- Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites and their Applications 7

1.4 Biodegradation of Natural Rubber and their Composites and Nanocomposites 10

1.5 Radiative Protective Qualities of Natural Rubber‐Based Polymer Composites 11

1.6 The Use of Green Additives in Eco-Friendly Compounds Based on Natural Rubber 12

1.7 Natural Rubber Recycling: Advances, Limitations, and Applications 14

1.8 The Elastocaloric Effect of Natural Rubber 15

1.9 Natural Rubber-Based Composites and Nanocomposites 16

References 18

2 Natural Rubber-Bamboo Composites for Noise Control Applications 29
Samuel Eshorame Sanni, Denen Ashiekaa Vershima, Rotimi Emmanuel Sadiku, Babalola Aisosa Oni and Emeka Emmanuel Okoro

2.1 Introduction 30

2.2 Natural Rubber-Bamboo Composites: Preparation 33

2.3 Natural Bamboo Composite Characterization 33

2.3.1 Preparation of Natural Rubber 33

2.3.2 Uses of Rubber 43

2.4 Natural Rubber-Bamboo Composites: Noise Control Applications 51

2.5 Conclusions 54

Acknowledgment 55

References 55

3 Natural Rubber-Based Bio-Composites and Bio-Nanocomposites 63
Jabulani I. Mnyango, Mandla V. Khumalo and Shanganyane P. Hlangothi

3.1 Introduction 64

3.1.1 Natural Fibers 66

3.1.2 Natural Rubber 73

3.2 Natural Rubber-Based Bio-Composites 77

3.3 Natural Rubber-Based Bio-Nanocomposites 94

3.3.1 Nanocomposites Definition 94

3.3.2 NR–Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposites 95

3.3.3 NR–Cellulose Nanocomposites 95

3.3.4 NR–Lignin Nanocomposites 100

3.3.5 NR–Chitin Nanocomposites 101

3.4 Conclusion and Future Perspectives 104

Acknowledgments 105

References 105

4 Mechanical/Dynamical Mechanical, Thermal and Electrical Properties of Natural Rubber-Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites and their Applications 117
Saheli Roy and Suneel Kumar Srivastava

4.1 Introduction 118

4.2 Processing Techniques of NR/CNT Nanocomposites 119

4.3 Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs), their Functionalization, and Dispersion 120

4.4 Properties of NR/CNT Nanocomposites 124

4.4.1 Mechanical Properties 124

4.4.2 Dynamic Mechanical Properties 132

4.4.3 Electrical Properties 135

4.4.4 Thermal Stability Behavior and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) Analysis 138

4.5 Application of NR/CNT Nanocomposites 140

4.6 Conclusion 141

Acknowledgement 142

References 142

5 Biodegradation of Natural Rubber and their Composites and Nanocomposites 153
Samuel Eshorame Sanni, Praise Uma, Denen Ashiekaa Vershima, Rotimi Emmanuel Sadiku, Babalola Aisosa Oni and Emeka Emmanuel Okoro

5.1 Introduction 154

5.2 Biodegradation 156

5.3 Natural Rubber Composites and Nanocomposites 158

5.3.1 Carbon Black 172

5.3.2 Silica 172

5.3.3 Calcium Carbonate 173

5.3.4 Bio-Based Fillers 174

5.3.5 Carbon Nanotubes 175

5.3.6 Starch Nanocrystals 176

5.3.7 Nanocellulose 177

5.4 Biodegradation of Natural Rubber and its Composites and Nanocomposites 177

5.5 Conclusions 179

References 180

6 Radiative Protective Qualities of Natural Rubber Based Polymer Composites 187
M. R. Ambika, N. Nagaiah and M. B. Karthik Kumar

6.1 Introduction 188

6.1.1 Interaction of Nuclear Radiations with Matter 188

6.1.2 Interaction of Heavy Charged Particles with Matter 188

6.1.3 Interaction of Fast Electrons with Matter 189

6.1.4 Interaction of Neutrons with Matter 190

6.1.5 Interaction of Gamma Photons with Matter 191

6.2 Effects of Ionizing Radiations 193

6.3 Radiation Protection 195

6.3.1 Shielding of Alpha Particles 196

6.3.2 Shielding of Beta Particles 197

6.3.3 Shielding of Neutrons 197

6.3.4 Shielding of Protons and Heavy Ions 198

6.3.5 Shielding of Gamma Photons 199

6.3.6 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding 200

6.3.6.1 Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Mechanism 201

6.4 EMI Shielding Materials 202

6.5 Gamma Ray Shielding Materials 206

6.5.1 NR Composites with Metals as Fillers 207

6.5.2 NR Composites with Metal Oxides as Fillers 209

6.6 Applications of Shielding Materials 214

6.6.1 EMI Shielding Materials 214

6.6.1.1 Electronics and Telecommunication 214

6.6.1.2 Military/Defense and Aerospace 215

6.6.1.3 Medical Applications 215

6.6.2 Gamma Ray Shielding Materials 215

6.6.2.1 Medical Applications 215

6.6.2.2 Industrial Applications 216

6.6.2.3 Agriculture 217

6.6.2.4 Space Applications 218

6.7 Conclusions 219

References 220

7 The Use of Green Additives in Eco-Friendly Compounds Based on Natural Rubber 225
Aline Zanchet and Fabiula Danielli Bastos de Sousa

7.1 Introduction 225

7.2 The Use of Oils in Elastomeric Compounds 226

7.3 Plasticizers 227

7.4 Lubricants 229

7.5 Lubrication Mechanisms 230

7.6 Plasticizers and/or Alternative Lubricants 230

7.7 The Use of Fillers in Elastomeric Compounds 234

7.8 The Use of Other Additives in Elastomeric Compounds 236

7.9 Conclusions 237

References 238

8 Natural Rubber Recycling: Advances, Limitations, and Applications 243
Fabiula Danielli Bastos de Sousa and Aline Zanchet

8.1 Introduction and General Aspects 243

8.2 Levels of Vulcanized Rubber Recycling 245

8.3 Devulcanization 250

8.4 Conclusions 258

References 259

9 Green Development of Natural Rubber-Based Biocomposites 271
Azura A. Rashid and Norfatirah Muhamad Sarih

9.1 Introduction 271

9.2 Biodegradation 272

9.2.1 Biodegradation Polymer Overview 273

9.2.2 Natural Rubber (NR) Biodegradation 274

9.2.2.1 Microorganisms Involved in the Degradation of NR 275

9.2.3 Analysis of NR Degradation 281

9.3 Biodegradation of Natural Rubber and Their Composites 283

9.3.1 Biodegradation of NR/Cellulose Composite 286

9.3.2 Biodegradation of NR/Starch Composite 287

9.3.3 Biodegradation of NR with other Natural Fibers 290

9.4 Biodegradation of NR and their Nanocomposites 292

9.4.1 Biodegradation of NR/Nanocellulose Composite 293

9.4.2 Biodegradation of NR/Starch Nanocrystal Composite 295

9.5 Conclusions 296

References 297

Index 305