We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Rubber-Based Sustainable Textiles and Potential Industrial Applications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explores how rubber-based materials can serve as sustainable alternatives to synthetic plastic-derived textiles across a range of industrial applications. Natural and synthetic rubbers offer properties such as elasticity, durability, and biodegradability that make them viable substitutes in sectors seeking to reduce plastic dependency. The paper outlines current progress and future opportunities for rubber in the sustainable materials landscape.
This review explores the evolving landscape of sustainable textile manufacturing, with a focus on rubber-based materials for various industrial applications. The textile and rubber industries are shifting towards eco-friendly practices, driven by environmental concerns and the need to reduce carbon footprints. The integration of sustainable textiles in rubber-based products, such as tires, conveyor belts, and defense products, is becoming increasingly prominent. This review discusses the adoption of natural fibers like flax, jute, and hemp, which offer biodegradability and improved mechanical properties. Additionally, it highlights sustainable elastomer sources, including natural rubber from Hevea brasiliensis and alternative plants like Guayule and Russian dandelion, as well as bio-based synthetic rubbers derived from terpenes and biomass. The review also covers sustainable additives, such as silica fillers, nanoclay, and bio-based plasticizers, which enhance performance while reducing environmental impact. Textile–rubber composites offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional fiber-reinforced polymers when high flexibility and impact resistance are needed. Rubber matrices enhance fatigue life under cyclic loading, and sustainable textiles like jute can reduce environmental impact. The manufacturing process involves rubber preparation, composite assembly, consolidation/curing, and post-processing, with precise control over temperature and pressure during curing being critical. These composites are versatile and robust, finding applications in tires, conveyor belts, insulation, and more. The review also highlights the advantages of textile–rubber composites, innovative recycling and upcycling initiatives, addressing current challenges and outlining future perspectives for achieving a circular economy in the textile and rubber sectors.
More Papers Like This
Sustainable Reinforcement of Rubber Compound Using Recycled PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
A comprehensive review found that incorporating recycled PET into rubber compounds can improve tensile strength by up to 45%, enhance thermal stability by 20–30°C, and reduce energy consumption by approximately 50 MJ/kg compared to virgin PET, while advancing circular economy goals. Diverting post-consumer PET waste into high-performance rubber composites reduces the volume of plastic that would otherwise enter waste streams where it fragments into microplastics.
Recent Developments in Synthesis, Properties, Applications and Recycling of Bio-Based Elastomers
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers recent advances in creating elastomers (flexible rubber-like materials) from renewable biological sources instead of petroleum, including natural rubber, plant oils, and bio-based polyurethanes. Current elastomers are mostly non-recyclable thermosets that take centuries to decompose, contributing to microplastic formation as they slowly fragment. Developing bio-based, recyclable alternatives could help reduce the long-term generation of microplastic pollution from rubber and flexible plastic products.
Current practices and the way forward in waste rubber utilization for infrastructural and geoenvironmental engineering applications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines current practices for utilizing waste rubber from tires and other sources in infrastructure and geoenvironmental engineering applications, covering both technical performance and sustainability considerations. The high resistance of vulcanized rubber to degradation makes developing novel bulk utilization strategies urgent for reducing waste rubber accumulation.
Degradable Elastomers: Is There a Future in Tyre Compound Formulation?
AI summary Read the abstract
This review explores whether degradable rubber compounds could be incorporated into tire formulations to reduce end-of-life tire waste. Researchers found that while some degradable elastomers show promise, achieving the mechanical performance required for tires remains a major challenge. The paper identifies key research directions for developing more sustainable tire materials.
Natural Fiber‐Reinforced, Natural Resin‐Based Biocomposites: Fabrication, Properties, and Sustainable Applications
AI summary Read the abstract
This review systematically examines natural fiber-reinforced biocomposites made from plant fibers and biodegradable resins, linking fabrication methods to mechanical and environmental performance across automotive, construction, and packaging applications. These fully bio-based materials represent a direct solution to microplastic pollution by replacing persistent synthetic polymer composites with materials that degrade without leaving toxic plastic fragments.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.