Green and sustainable biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticle (ION) from pomegranate seed and the development of highly reinforced ION based natural rubber (NR) nanocomposite in presence of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) as compatibilizer

Abstract

This research article explores a green and sustainable approach for the biosynthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles (ION) from a natural source of non-edible waste part, seed of pomegranate fruit and the studies its application in natural rubber (NR) as reinforcing filler along with a compatibilizer, ENR. The formation of naturally deep brown colored ION was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis and Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis. The experimental studies shows that the combination of only 1 part per hundred parts of rubber (phr) of the ION and 3phr of ENR can outstandingly increase the overall tensile strength (TS) by nearly 41% and improve others cure and mechanical properties of the NR composite. The cure properties like the maximum rheometric torque (R∞) and the cure rate index (CRI) are increased and the vulcanization time is saved by nearly 24%. The mechanical properties like the modulus at 100%, 300% elongation and the EB (%) are improved in presence of 1phr ION and 3phr of ENR. The thermal aging resistance and thermal stability of the NR composites are also improved in presence of both the ION and the ENR. The compatibility among the ION, ENR and NR was confirmed by analyzing the thermodynamic parameters ΔG and ΔS. The morphology of the nanocomposite was studied by FESEM analysis which confirms the uniform distribution of ION throughout composite matrix. The improvement in the thermal stability of the NR composite is confirmed by the oxidative thermal aging behavior and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) & derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG).