Filler–rubber interactions in α_cellulose‐filled styrene butadiene rubber composites

Abstract In this study, the interactions between rubber and fillers in α_cellulose‐filled styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composites were investigated. The results obtained from the tensile and tear strength, abrasion resistance, and hardness indicate that addition of 5‐phr α_cellulose into compound not only does not affect rubber–carbon black bond but improves the mentioned physicomechanical properties. In this study, the type of carbon black was changed from N 330 to N 550. The main purpose of this investigation was to observe the possible changes in physicomechanical properties due to this change. Obtained results show that overall observation of the trends of results do not change with type of carbon black. It can be concluded that the presence of α_cellulose does not have significant influence on the performance of carbon black in the compounds used. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:748–754, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers