RH was in situ utilized to modify NCC. The Payne
effect of NR/MNCC/Silica compounds was reduced and
the processing properties were improved. Mechanical
properties were increased, and heat build-up and perma-
nent set of NR/MNCC/Silica nanocomposites greatly
decreased. In addition, the apparent crosslinking density,
the dispersion of MNCC in the rubber matrix and the
polymer–filler interfacial bonding of nanocomposites
were enhanced. Both FTIR and XPS results verified the
successful modification of NCC. It should open up an
opportunity for novel rubber composites with the MNCC,
thus, it is suggested that MNCC can partly replace silica.