Rubber-Based Composites: Challenges in Reusing Waste and Nanostructures as Fillers
A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Composites".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 222
Special Issue Editors
Interests: rubber composites; waste management; nanostructures; rubber-based devices
Interests: electroactive polymers; rheology; IPMC; deformation sensors; rubber recycling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Rubber, classified as an elastomer, is a flexible material capable of being stretched multiple times its original length without undergoing plastic deformation. Due to its properties such as elasticity, and thermal and electrical insulation, it finds extensive applications across various industries. Notable uses include automotive components like tires, hoses, transmission belts, and cushions; industrial equipment (hydraulic and pneumatic systems) utilizing sealing rings and gaskets to prevent leaks; medical materials including gloves and catheters; footwear manufacturing for soles; rubber flooring in the construction industry; and electrical insulators for electronics and telecommunications.
To be utilized in these products, rubber undergoes vulcanization processes that enhance its mechanical strength and durability. Furthermore, the incorporation of reinforcing fillers can improve tensile and tear resistance. Commercial fillers, such as carbon black and silica, contribute to chemical and mechanical resistance, while the addition of fillers like calcium carbonate or talc reduces costs. These fillers decrease the polymer matrix mass without significantly compromising the material's properties. Other fillers can also enhance composite processing by reducing vulcanization time or improving molding and may impart new properties like electrical conductivity or flame resistance.
An alternative to replace—even partially—commercial fillers involves utilizing waste materials. Although many agricultural and industrial wastes are directed towards energy generation or by-products through pyrolysis processes, recycling and beneficiation methods remain complex, costly, and require improvement in product quality. Consequently, employing fillers in composites offers an environmental advantage by enabling proper disposal of these residues, reducing costs, and mitigating mineral resource exploitation.
However, challenges persist, such as ensuring that waste-derived fillers provide mechanical reinforcement surpassing that of commercial fillers, achieve homogeneous dispersion, promote cross-linking within the polymer matrix, and yield reproducible results. Reducing filler size to nanometric levels presents advantages in interaction with the polymer matrix, provided uniform distribution and phase compatibility are ensured. Nanoparticles, including graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes, nanoclays, titanates, and ceramics, have been integrated into composites. Future research correlating nanostructured with waste materials may facilitate the development of advanced engineering composites. With this, we are pleased to invite you to submit papers representing new reinforcing fillers, whether organic, fibrous or inorganic (industrial), originating from waste recycling or the synthesis of metallic or magnetic nanostructures, or prominent results with known commercial fillers such as carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, etc.
This Special Issue aims to summarize recent advances regarding reinforcing fillers in rubber composites, reuse of waste as reinforcement, and nanostructures for the production of advanced engineering materials. Research articles and reviews are welcome.
Dr. Flávio Camargo Cabrera
Dr. Carlos Henrique Scuracchio
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Composites Science is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- recycling
- waste management
- nanomaterials
- filler
- reinforcement
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
