DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v27i1.256

Keywords: Cucumis sativus L.; cucumber powder; natural rubber latex; tensile properties; biodegradability

Abstract

This research focused on the potential of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) powder (CP) as a reinforcing and biodegradable filler for natural rubber latex (NRL) films. The filler was incorporated into NRL at various loadings ranging from 0 to 10 phr. Unfilled NRL and NRL/CP films were subjected to swelling, tensile, and soil burial tests. The NRL/CP films exhibited a gradual decrease in swelling percentage, from 500% to 415%, and an increase in crosslink density (from 2.74 to 8.5 × 10^-3 mol/cm³) with higher filler loading compared to unfilled NRL films. Additionally, the NRL/CP films demonstrated improved results in tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus at 100% elongation. A soil burial test was conducted for 4 weeks. The NRL films with 4 and 10 phr of CP filler underwent biodegradation as early as week 1, with further biodegradation occurring after 4 weeks of soil burial. The incorporation of CP filler at 4 phr in NRL resulted in a significant synergistic effect, enhancing both the mechanical and physical properties, as well as the biodegradability of NRL.