Common Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) as an Active Filler of Natural Rubber Biocomposites

Abstract

Common nettle (Urtíca Dióica L.), as a natural fibrous filler, may be part of the global trend of producing biocomposites with the addition of substances of plant origin. The aim of the work was to investigate and explain the effectiveness of common nettle as a source of active functional compounds for the modification of elastomer composites based on natural rubber. The conducted studies constitute a scientific novelty in the field of polymer technology, as there is no research on the physico-chemical characteristics of nettle bio-components and vulcanizates filled with them. Separation and mechanical modification of seeds, leaves, branches and roots of dried nettle were carried out. Characterization of the ground plant particles was performed using goniometric measurements (contact angle), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), themogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained natural rubber composites with different bio-filler content were also tested in terms of rheological, static and dynamic mechanical properties, cross-linking density, color change and resistance to simulated aging processes. Composites with the addition of a filler obtained from nettle roots and stems showed the highest mechanical strength. For the sample containing leaves and branches, an increase in resistance to simulated ultraviolet and thermo-oxidative aging processes was observed. This phenomenon can be attributed to the activity of ingredients with high antioxidant potential contained in the plant.

Potential Application of Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), German Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) as Active Fillers in Natural Rubber Biocomposites

“…Due to the fact that previous studies of the authors proved the strengthening effect of lignocellulosic materials on the properties of biocomposites [ 31 , 32 ], a new challenge was undertaken—obtaining elastomer composites filled with herbal plants. The authors of the manuscript focused on three different herbs of the Asteraceae family as a biofiller for natural rubber biocomposites.…”

Investigation into the Effect of Spinel Pigments on the Photostability and Combustion Properties of Ethylene-Norbornene Copolymer

“…The measurement error was around ±10%. Total color change ΔE was calculated according to the following equation [ 37 ]: where ∆L, ∆a, and ∆b represent the differences between the initial and final values for L (brightness), a (red-green color coordinate), and b (yellow-blue color coordinate), respectively.…”

Research Progress of Cut-Resistant Textile Materials

“…This provides a new technical way to develop the use of waste rubber and reduce the production cost. Masłowski et al (2021) used nettle as natural fiber filler to modify natural rubber. The experimental results show that adding nettle to the natural rubber composite material can enhance the mechanical properties of natural rubber, and it has been widely used in the coating process of bullet-proof and cut-resistant textile materials.…”