Zinc oxide nanoparticles biosynthesized with Thymus capitatus aqueous extract and evaluations on the effects in the properties of natural rubber compounds

Zinc oxide, a vital activator in the rubber industry, is used in large quantities due to its effect on the curing process of rubber compounds. In this research, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Thymus capitatus leaf water extract and after adding zinc oxide nanoparticles to natural rubber and preparing nanocomposite, curing time and physical and mechanical properties were evaluated. The aqueous extract of the Thymus capitatus plant was used as stabilizing agent in the presence of sodium hydroxide to produce zinc oxide nanoparticles. BET, X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis spectrum, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to determine the characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles. The synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (0.5 phr) were used instead of industrial zinc oxide (5 phr). The zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by the green method improved the physical and mechanical properties of the polymer matrix due to the reduction of the curing time and a decrease in consumption by one-tenth in the natural rubber mixture. Comparison of ion leaching of nanocomposite and thermal degradation of natural rubber mixtures containing zinc oxide nanoparticles and industrial zinc oxide indicates the stability of synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles.