Development and Characterization of Polymer Eco-Composites Based on Natural Rubber Reinforced with Natural Fibers

• Main Authors: Maria-Daniela Stelescu, Elena Manaila, Gabriela Craciun, Corina Chirila
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2017-07-01
• Series: Materials
• Subjects: ecocomposites; natural rubber; natural fibers; Aspergillus niger
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/10/7/787

Natural rubber composites filled with short natural fibers (flax and sawdust) were prepared by blending procedure and the elastomer cross-linking was carried out using benzoyl peroxide. The microbial degradation of composites was carried out by incubating with Aspergillus niger recognized for the ability to grow and degrade a broad range of substrates. The extent of biodegradation was evaluated by weight loss and cross-linking degree study of composites after 2 months incubation in pure shake culture conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) have proved to be precious and valuable instruments for morphological as well as structural characterization of the composites before and after incubation with Aspergillus niger.