Self-Healable Biocomposites Crosslinked with a Combination of Silica and Quercetin

Abstract

In this publication, novel bio-based composites made of epoxidized natural rubber with 50 mol% of epoxidation (ENR-50) are presented. The obtained materials, partially cured with a totally environmentally friendly crosslinking system consisting of natural ingredients, including quercetin and silica, exhibit a self-healing ability resulting from the self-adhesion of ENR-50 and reversible physical forces between the curing agent and the matrix. The impact of natural components on the crosslinking effect in uncured ENR-50 matrix was analyzed based on rheometric measurements, mechanical tests and crosslinking density. The partially crosslinked samples were next cut into two separate pieces, which were instantly contacted together under a small manual press, left at room temperature for a few days for the healing process to occur and finally retested. The healing efficiency was estimated by measuring mechanical properties before and after the healing process and was also confirmed by photos taken using optical and scanning electron microscope (SEM). According to the results, a combination of silica and quercetin is a totally safe, natural and effective crosslinking system dedicated to epoxidized natural rubber. The novel composites containing ingredients safe for human beings exhibit promising self-healing properties with a healing efficiency of up to 45% without any external stimuli and stand a chance of becoming innovative biomedical materials.

Influence of Citrus Fruit Waste Filler on the Physical Properties of Silicone-Based Composites

“…Composites reinforced with fibers of organic origins also offer good strength, lightness, composite stiffness, low costs, a low friction coefficient, proper abrasive and erosive wear resistance, and, most importantly, biodegradability (including lower disposal costs) [25,26]; therefore, scientists are Materials 2023, 16, 6569 2 of 15 conducting more research into biocomposites. This is in line with increasing environmental awareness and the concepts of sustainable development (responsible waste management and designing products for recycling) [27][28][29]. Furthermore, this research complies with the circular economy strategy promoted by the European Commission and stipulates waste prevention and reuse [29].…”

Aging Resistance of Biocomposites Crosslinked with Silica and Quercetin

“…It has been confirmed that this flavonoid exhibits a curing effect in polymer blends consisting of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and polycaprolacone (PCL) [ 17 ]. In our previous research, the crosslinking ability of quercetin was also confirmed in the ENR-50 matrix in the presence of silica [ 18 ]. This article is a continuation of the previous publication, which focused on the self-healing ability of ENR-50-composites.…”

Natural Phenolic Compounds as Modifiers for Epoxidized Natural Rubber/Silica Hybrids

“…Moreover, tannic acid was utilized as a crosslinker for catalyst-free silicone elastomers and to cure epoxidized soybean oil to obtain fully bio-based epoxy resin [ 23 ]. It was also proved that this acid is able to cure UV-treated epoxidized natural rubber to receive environmentally friendly films dedicated to coatings [ 24 ]. Tannic acid is definitely an interesting modifier, which can be utilized to obtain biomaterials demonstrating antiviral and antibacterial properties.…”