Polymer Bulletin, Vol.77, No.4, 2021-2038, 2020
The potential application of cereal straw as a bio-filler for elastomer composites
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 thermo-oxidative 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.