Silanized cereal straw as a novel, functional filler of natural rubber biocomposites

Marcin Masłowski,Krzysztof Strzelec,Justyna Miedzianowska

doi:10.1007/s10570-018-2093-8

Abstract

The aim of the presented research paper was to modify the biofiller in the form of milled cereal straw with 3-aminopropyl(diethoxy)methyl silane, and apply it to the natural rubber. To determine the material properties, an in-depth characterization of both the treated lignocellulosic material and the composites was studied. On the basis of thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and analysis of contact angle measurements, it was found that the silanization process significantly influenced thermal stability and hygroscopicity of the straw, its hydrophobicity as well as dispersion in polymeric matrix. Analyses of the new composites included static and dynamic mechanical properties, hardness, and barrier and damping properties, all of which showed improvement. This was because of improved interactions at the filler–elastomer, which resulted from better adhesion of the treated bio-additive to natural rubber. Biocomposites have also demonstrated greater resistance to flammability as well as thermo-oxidative aging processes. The research clearly indicates the application potential of these new multifunctional and biocompatible materials.Graphical abstract

Highlights

The expanded search for new, high-performance, ecofriendly materials has been one of the most important research directions recently
In order to assess the influence of the shape and size of solid phase particles on the macroscopic properties of composite samples, scanning electron microscopy images (SEM) of used fillers and composites were prepared and studied (Figs. 2, 3)
The results indicate that the silanized straw fibers were characterized by reduced hydrophilicity

Summary

Introduction

The expanded search for new, high-performance, ecofriendly materials has been one of the most important research directions recently. To estimate the resistance of the samples to aging, their mechanical properties after aging were determined and compared with the values obtained for vulcanizates before the aging process. Analyzing the presented SEM photographs of selected composites (10 phr), no significant effect of straw silanization on the improvement of the degree of dispersion in natural rubber was observed.

Results

Conclusion