Guayule (Parthenium argentatum A. Gray), a Renewable Resource for Natural Polyisoprene and Resin: Composition, Processes and Applications

Abstract

Natural rubber is an essential material, especially for plane and truck tyres but also for medical gloves. Asia ranks first in the production of natural rubber, of which the Hevea tree is currently the sole source. However, it is anticipated that this source alone will not be able to fulfill the growing demand. Guayule, a shrub native to northern Mexico and southern United States, may also contribute. This plant not only contains polyisoprene, but also resin, a mixture of lipids and terpenoids. This review summarizes various aspects of this plant, from the usage history, botanical description, geographical distribution and cultivation practices, down to polyisoprene and resin biosynthesis including their distribution within the plant and molecular composition. Finally, the main processes yielding dry rubber or latex are depicted, as well as the properties of the various extracts along with economic considerations. The aim is to provide a wide picture of current knowledge available about this promising crop, a good feedstock candidate for a multiple-product biorefinery.

Polyisoprenes obtained from jackfruit latex (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.): Extraction and characterization

“…The polyisoprenes are usually extracted mainly through the use of organic solvents, which harm the environment and low process yields. 3,4 Currently, the extraction of polymers using surfactants is recognized as green technology. Furthermore, its use potentially minimizes the environmental impact and cost associated with the process.…”

“…Likewise, this biopolymer can be used in different encapsulation processes. The polyisoprenes are usually extracted mainly through the use of organic solvents, which harm the environment and low process yields 3,4 . Currently, the extraction of polymers using surfactants is recognized as green technology.…”

Ionic Liquids Separating Rubber Latex from Guayule

“…Guayule latex, in particular, also has advantages over rubber tree latex in that it is non-allergenic [ 4 , 5 ]. Other plants, such as Taraxacum kok-saghyz (Russian dandelion), can also be used to produce rubber, but guayule has an advantage in that it thrives in an arid climate with marginal soil [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Parthenium argentatum A. Gray, Taraxacum kok-saghyz L.E. Rodin, AND Scorzonera tau-saghyz Lipsch. et Bosse AS ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF NATURAL RUBBER: DO WE REALLY NEED THEM? (review)

“…Rodin (коксагыз, русский одуванчик). P. argentatum -многолетний кустарник, растущим в мексиканской пустыне Чиуауа и Южном Техасе (22). T. kok-saghyz представляет собой травянистое растение, в природе растущее в Казахстане, Южной Сибири, Узбекистане и Китае (23,24).…”

“…Однако из-за истощения запасов сырья в Мексике, мексиканской революции и Великой депрессии производство НК достаточно быстро прекратилось. На пике развития оно давало около 20 % от общего количества полимера, потребляемого в США (10,22).…”