Work

Green synthesis of multifunctional natural rubber-lignin nanocomposites: A sustainable approach for waste reduction

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Lignin, a valuable biomaterial having an array of exciting properties is increasingly favoured as a reinforcement material in the fabrication of green composites. Reinforcement in biopolymers like natural rubber (NR) using lignin nanoparticles (LNP) is considered a hotspot today. In this study, LNP synthesized via the homogenization method was incorporated into natural rubber latex (NRL) using probe sonication, and NR/Lignin nanocomposites (NR/LNP) were fabricated using latex dipping method. The addition of LNP resulted in significant enhancements in mechanical and antibacterial properties, biodegradability, and ultraviolet (UV) blocking capabilities with the addition of 7 parts per hundred rubber (phr) of LNP, due to the uniform dispersion and effective interaction between NR and LNP. This research demonstrates a versatile pathway for integrating LNP into NR through a green method, enabling the production of eco-friendly NR nanocomposites for multifunctional applications. This pathway contributes to a safe disposal of NR based products.

Source: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.135887

Authors: A.S. Sethulekshmi, Kuruvilla Joseph, Abi Santhosh Aprem, Suja Bhargavan Sisupal, Appukuttan Saritha

Institutions: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, HLL Lifecare (India)

Language: English

Topic: Lignin and Wood Chemistry

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,260