Datwyler patents sustainable cellulose-based elastomer fillers

Schattdorf, Switzerland – Datwyler and development partner Empa have developed and patented an industrial process for surface modification of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) for application in the rubber industry.

The modified MFC can be used to substitute petroleum-based aramid fibres as fillers in elastomer compounds, increasing the sustainability credentials of products such as pump diaphragms.

According to Datwyler, the rubber industry has already been using MFC, which offers high stiffness, fibrils morphology, low density and mechanical properties.

“However, the successful use of such material in water repellent elastomers is challenging,” Datwyler added.

The newly patented process, developed with Empa (Swiss federal laboratories for materials science and technology), solves the challenge, said Datwyler without giving further details.

The Swiss group said it substituted aramid fibres with modified MFCs in rubber compounds in its first trials.

“The results show good compatibility between the MFC-filler and the elastomer matrix with strong reinforcing effect, even superior to those reached with conventional petroleum-based fibres,” it added.

Based on the “promising research results”, Datwyler said it patented the process and will work on industrial mass production in the next phase.