The effect of modified biopolymers and poly(vinyl alcohol) on carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber properties

The aim of the research was to determine the impact of modified biopolymers such as: enzyme hydrolyzate of collagen, enzyme hydrolyzate of keratin and poly(vinyl alcohol) PVAL (or PVA) on the properties of carboxylated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (XNBR) vulcanizates. Biopolymers were obtained from industrial waste leather in the form of collagen from chrome tanned leather shavings and keratin from cattle hair. The rheometric, mechanical properties, cross-linking density, Fourier Transform Infrared spectra (FT-IR) and Ultraviolet-Visible spectra (UV-Vis) were examined. Thermo-oxidative aging and biodecomposition processes were also performed. The introduction of natural bioadditives and PVAL influenced the improvement of cross-linking density of the obtained XNBR composites — probably by creating a common spatial network with the elastomeric matrix. Increased hardness, resistance to thermal aging and susceptibility to the action of microorganisms in soil were observed.