Desenvolvimento e avaliação de filme de borracha nitrílica com biomassa do albedo da laranja (citrus sinensis)

Abstract

The use of additives is a common strategy to obtain nitrile rubber material with superior properties. Since many of these additives are derived from non-renewable sources and may pose health risks through handling, it is necessary to investigate the application of other types of compounds that are health-safe and sustainable. Consequently, the use of natural polymers as bioadditives in rubber compositions has been studied. Biomasses can be strong allies for use as bioadditives, given their availability and low cost, with special attention to orange biomass, which can be obtained from juice industry waste. Based on this data, the present study aimed to obtain nitrile rubber latex compositions with the addition of 1, 2, 3, and 5 phr of orange albedo biomass and to investigate the changes promoted through Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), puncture resistance, tensile strength, tear resistance, and soil biodegradability testing. In analyses before soil burial of the samples, the FTIR spectra showed no differences in absorptions with the addition of biomass; and TGA results did not indicate significant changes in the material's thermal stability. However, the biomass addition showed a significant decrease in tensile strength values for the 3 and 5 phr additions, a slight decrease in tear resistance; and a more pronounced decrease in puncture resistance starting from 3 phr. After soil burial of the samples, TGA analysis showed a slight decrease in the initial degradation temperature and a reduction in residual content for all samples. A reduction in tensile strength and a slight increase in mass loss were observed for all samples, indicating degradation due to soil contact. However, FTIR spectra did not show characteristic absorption changes indicating microbial activity, which does not support evidence of potential biodegradation.