The potential application of cereal straw as a bio-filler for elastomer composites

Abstract

The purpose of this research article is to present the application possibilities of cereal straw as a functional bio-filler of elastomeric materials. The work defined the precise selection of polymeric matrixes as a base for the produced biocomposites. Applied rubbers, ethylene propylene, methylvinylsilicone, butadiene-styrene and butadiene-acrylonitrile, are materials that differ in both chemical structure and methods of cross-linking. Due to the differences in material characteristics, the composites presented specific properties, which have been confirmed by a number of research methods that determine rheometric, mechanical, dynamical-mechanical properties, damping, cross-linking density and susceptibility to simulated thermooxidative aging processes. Application of straw as a natural bio-fillers for different elastomers increased cross-linking densities of the composites and reduced the curing time of the mixtures. Straw vulcanizates, regardless of the polymer type and simultaneously with increasing filling degree, showed a significant increase in tear strength and hardness. Moreover, these materials showed high values of damping coefficients and satisfactory strength properties, depending on the mechanical characteristics of the rubbers used. Furthermore, biocomposites produced on the basis of ethylene propylene and silicone rubber have proven their high resistance to simulated aging processes. The use of ground straw as a never previously used filler of elastomer composites proves that it is a highly valuable additive both in economic and material aspects. Its application in elastomer technology may contribute to the management of surplus agricultural wastes while being used in materials exhibiting useful properties.

Straw/Nano-Additive Hybrids as Functional Fillers for Natural Rubber Biocomposites

“…Composites containing various types of plant fillers are produced on an industrial scale and continuous research results in the continuous expansion of the area of their application. The use of straw in the elastomer matrix contributes to obtaining a product with good mechanical properties while ensuring the low cost of the composite because this raw material is characterized by easy availability and low unit price [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Individual straw fibers have a much lower tensile strength and lower compressive strength compared to other fibers that are added to polymers.…”

Modified Nanoclays/Straw Fillers as Functional Additives of Natural Rubber Biocomposites

“…Polymer composites with plant-derived fillers seem to be of particular interest, as they in many cases replace the previously used inorganic fillers [ 7 ]. The authors have been successfully developing the subject of elastomeric biocomposites containing cereal straw in their structure for several years, demonstrating its positive impact on the functional properties of the designed materials [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. The straw that is post-harvest waste has a structure similar to that of wood, which has a decisive impact on obtaining materials with above-average mechanical properties.…”

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

“…These works are aimed at full or partial replacement synthetic materials with natural ones and consequently reducing the use of the production of plastics or rubber. Current studies provide knowledge about the influence of various natural components on the properties of the obtained composites [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].…”