Sustainable Rubber Composites

Dear Colleagues,

The rubber industry is faced with some challenges in order to meet the criteria of sustainable development. Among the different strategies seeking possible economically-attractive and eco-friendly materials, the use of natural fibers as potential fillers in rubber composites appear to be a reasonable option. Recycling and reclaiming technologies, to get rid of end-of-life tires, also sounds like a valid possibility. Self-healing rubbers are another alternative to the damage-and-discard cycle. Lifetime extension by healing events would also reduce the overall costs in material use and maintenance. Different concepts to implement healing have been proposed, but several are unlikely to ever reach a level interesting enough for industry. It is crucial to know what the limitations and possibilities are for the different concepts. Currently, most research in this field is confined to the laboratory scale. However, we should make a jump into the industrial sector. Upgraded reused and/or self-repaired composite materials will have the possibility of incorporation in applications where there is a strong need for low cost and noise and vibration damping properties for the improvement of transport quality (aircrafts, cars, and railway vehicles), among others.

The aim of this Special Issue is to offer researchers a wide spectrum of investigations focused on rubber composites that harmonize with sustainability and circular economy principles. Authors are encouraged to present material model concepts for developing new applications, economically and environmentally convenient, with good mechanical properties and with self-repair abilities. Modifications of the chemical structure of rubber so as to enhance physical or chemical reversible interactions are encouraged as well. Research on new processes and improvements in existing recycling or reclaiming processes are also welcomed in this Special Issue. All attempts to find economical ways to use rubber waste in rubber composites will be considered. The inclusion of fillers playing the dual role of reinforcing and carrier of the healing agent would also be of interest for this Special Issue.

 I hope that the outcome of this new set of studies will serve as a framework for a straightforward strategy for both recycling and improving/extending the life cycle of elastomeric goods.

Dr. Marianella Hernández Santana
Guest Editor

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