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• Elastomeric composite materials reinforced with natural fibers and with self-healing capacity

  S. Utrera-Barrios, O. Lopes, M. Hernandez Santana

  Materiales Compuestos (2024). Vol. 08 - COMUNICACIONES MATCOMP21 (2022) Y MATCOMP23 (2023), (Núm. 4 - Sostenibilidad y Reciclaje), 17

  
  

  Abstract

  Elastomeric composite materials are widely used in multiple applications, especially in the automotive industry; however, they have the drawback of being difficult to recycle, generating a significant environmental impact. For this reason, in recent years there has been an increase in research for the development of self-healing and biodegradable materials that minimize this impact by extending their lifetime. In this context, the aim of this work is to design a new generation of self-healing elastomeric composite materials using additives of natural origin. For this, epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and cellulose propionate (CP) were used as matrix, reinforced with cellulose fibers. Self-healing was achieved by combining the flow of the thermoplastic (CP) phase (extrinsic mechanism) and the formation of hydrogen bonds between the ENR and the CP (intrinsic mechanism). A promising repair efficiency of 95% was obtained, as well as an increase in tensile strength in the presence of cellulose fibers, without affecting the healing capacity of the material. Therefore, this work overcomes the well-known dichotomy between mechanical performance and self-healing and constitutes a new contribution in the field of self-healing elastomeric composites using bio-based additives.

  Abstract
  Elastomeric composite materials are widely used in multiple applications, especially in the automotive industry; however, they have the drawback of being difficult to recycle, [...]

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