Assessment of blue crab Shell (Callinectes sapidus) particles as bio‐based filler to EPDM rubber

Abstract

AbstractThe use of waste and biodegradable materials as alternative substitutes in different areas is supporting green production in recent years. The utilization of such materials is supporting an economical way, while an environmentally and friendly approach is increased sustainability. In this context, the replacement of carbon black, which is frequently used in the rubber industry but has many drawbacks, with waste and a biodegradable filling material has attracted the attention of researchers over the past decades. In this study, ethylene propylene diene termonomer (EPDM) and EPDM with different blue crab shell (BCS) incorporated into rubber matrix were produced. The effect of carbon black and BCS content within the EPDM matrix on the rheological, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties were investigated. The rheological analysis revealed that BCS added to the EPDM matrix enhanced the vulcanization parameters. Moreover, the addition of BCS into the EPDM matrix up to 12 phr increased the value of T50 temperature, tensile strength, and crosslinking density of composite material. In conclusion, it was revealed that BCS could be used as an alternative filling material in rubber industry, such biodegradable and bio‐based materials could become an important substitute with the economic and environmental benefits.