Cure, mechanical and swelling characteristics of composites of neoprene rubber and starch from non-edible variety of dioscorea tuber

Composites of Polychloroprene rubber (CR, Neoprene rubber) reinforced with starch from non-edible variety of dioscorea tuber were prepared using three different vulcanizing systems. The cure, mechanical, solvent resistance and biodegradable characteristics of the composites were studied. The addition of starch from dioscorea tuber was found to improve CR’s tensile strength. The maximum torque value increases with the loading of filler and it was found to be the highest at 20 phr. The addition of starch from dioscorea tuber was found to improve CR’s tensile strength and highest value observed at 20 phr. Among the different curing systems studied, the modified DCP system shows maximum mechanical properties, optimum properties of the composites are at 20 phr. The values of the swelling coefficients were determined by examining the intake of the solvents N, N-dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide and water by the composites. The soil burial test indicated that biodegradability of CR enhanced with the addition of starch. The findings of mechanical properties are supported by studies using scanning electron microscopy. Since starch is a naturally occurring biopolymer, adding it encourages microbial activity, which breaks down the composite components. This quality is essential for resolving plastic waste-related environmental issues. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will aid in the development of materials for specific product applications like gasoline hoses, tire sidewalls, seals, and so on.