Renewable cellulose-based fillers have potential to increase sustainability of rubber products

Date:October 19, 2022

Country: Switzerland

Application

• The project aims to improve the sustainability of rubber products, such as pump diaphragms, by replacing petrochemical aramid fibers with modified microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). This enhances the properties of rubber compounds, offering better reinforcement.

Description

A collaboration between Empa and Daetwyler Schweiz AG has led to the development of a surface modification process for microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), enabling its successful integration into hydrophobic rubber products. This innovation replaces petrochemical aramid fibers with modified MFC, enhancing rubber's properties with improved reinforcement. The project demonstrates how renewable cellulose-based fillers can boost the sustainability of rubber products, achieving industrial implementation in just two years. It highlights the value of Innosuisse's support for fostering successful innovation.

Pathway Description:

The process developed in this project involves the surface modification of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) to improve its compatibility with hydrophobic rubber matrices. This modification allows MFC to be effectively blended with rubbers, replacing conventional petrochemical aramid fibers. The modified MFC enhances the mechanical properties of the rubber, providing stronger reinforcement. The process was successfully scaled from research to industrial implementation within two years through collaboration between Empa and Daetwyler Schweiz AG.