Curcuma longa L. Rhizome Extract as a Poly(vinyl chloride)/Graphene Nanocomposite Green Modifier

Abstract

In this work, a method to increase the dispersion of graphene (GN) in the matrix of rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by using a natural plant extract from Curcuma longa L. (CE) is proposed. Currently, despite the increasing number of reports on the improvement of GN dispersion in PVC blends, still there is a need to find environmentally friendly and economical dispersion stabilizers. We proposed a stabilizer that can be easily obtained from a plant offering thermal stability and high effectiveness. PVC/GN nanocomposites stabilized with the proposed extract were investigated by SEM, AFM (structure), TGA, and Congo red test (thermal properties). Additionally, static and dynamic mechanical properties and electrical resistivity were measured. The use of CE as a graphene dispersant improved its dispersion in the PVC matrix, influenced tensile properties, increased the storage modulus and glass transition temperature, and extended the thermal stability time of nanocomposites. In this work, a CE extract is proposed as an efficient eco-friendly additive for the production of nanocomposites with an improved homogeneity of a nanofiller in the matrix and promising characteristics.

Multiscale Carbon Fibre–Carbon Nanotube Composites of Poly(Vinyl Chloride)—An Evaluation of Their Properties and Structure

“…A significant increase in thermal stability was observed in the case of polypropylene (PP) composites containing both CF-and CF+CNT-modified maleic anhydride-grafted PP according to the authors due to the increase in a dense and continuous hybrid CF/CNT protective layer preventing PP decomposition [48]. The time of thermal stability assessed by the Congo red test [49,50] allows the determination of the stability time after which the PVC matrix decomposes with rapid HCl release, thus causing the discolouration of the indicator paper. The thermal stability time of the composites increased slightly with increasing filler content, irrespective of its type in the matrix.…”

Reducing methane and nitrous oxide production in different soil types through utilizing Turmeric Rhizome (Curcuma domestica Val)

“…Curcumin is a curcuminoid group in turmeric which functions to inhibit the formation of greenhouse gases. Curcumin extract is a polymer additive for chemical stability that can be used for coating nitrogen fertilizers [14]. Turmeric rhizome has good prospects as a natural substitute for commercial nitrification inhibitor formulas, which are relatively unaffordable for most farmers and difficult to obtain all the time.…”