Alfalfa/Lucerne (Medicago sativa) as a Source of Functional Bioadditives for Elastomeric Natural Rubber Composites

This study explores the impact of three bioadditives derived from Alfalfa-biomass, bio-ashes, and lyophilisates-on natural rubber composites, with a primary focus on the anti-aging properties of lyophilisates. Composite samples were prepared by incorporating these bioadditives into natural rubber and analyzed using various characterization techniques to evaluate mechanical, thermal, aging, and surface properties. The results highlight the promising anti-aging effects of lyophilisates, significantly enhancing the aging resistance of natural rubber. The aging factor was the closest to unity among all systems. Biomass and bio-ashes were also examined, offering insights into their influence on tensile strength, viscoelasticity, and surface wettability. The tensile strength values were almost 50% higher than those of the reference sample (8.5 MPa). The study provides a detailed understanding of the interactions between these bioadditives and natural rubber, showcasing their potential to enhance elastomer performance. These findings underscore the viability of Alfalfa-based bioadditives as sustainable options for improving rubber properties, with significant implications for industrial applications.