Carbon black and sulfur are largely utilized as filler and crosslinking materials for natural rubber (NR) vulcanization respectively. Owning to their suitable structure, reactivity, and easy dispersibility in NR latex, they extensively improve the tensile, tear, abrasion resistance, and hardness of NR. However, toxic effects on the environment and human health are raising major concerns for the use of NR. As a result, efforts are made to replace the constituents of NR with biobased nontoxic alternatives to make NR more environmentally friendly. In this respect, kraft lignin (KL) has received attention as a biobased reinforcing filler for NR. Yet, the hydrophilicity and poor dispersibility of KL generates obstacles in its potential use in NR. In the current project, we use a new type of kraft lignin derivative, i.e., tall oil lignin (TOL), in NR production. TOL is produced in the tall oil soap production unit of the kraft pulping process, but our results confirm that its properties are different from those of KL, which makes it more suitable for NR production. The higher hydrophobicity and sulfur content (i.e., 7 wt.%) of TOL make it a suitable candidate as a reinforcing and crosslinking agent for NR production. For the first time, this work discusses the performance of TOL-filled and -crosslinked NR composite using the solution casting process. The thermomechanical, morphological, and chemical characteristics of TOL-NR composites will be discussed and compared with those of the NR produced with carbon black or kraft lignin. This work will contribute to the scientific discussion on replacing carbon black with a new derivative of kraft lignin in rubber production.

Tall oil lignin as a crosslinking material for natural rubber

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