Fungal Genomics & Biology
Open Access
ISSN: 2165-8056
ISSN: 2165-8056
Department of Environmental Studies, Tottori University of Environmental Studies, Wakabadai-Kita, Tottori city, Tottori, Japan
Research
Deterioration of Vulcanized Natural Rubber Sheets is Associated with Removal of Calcium Carbonate Filler by Wood-Decay Fungi Trichaptum abietinum and Trichaptum biforme
Author(s): Shin Sato*, Hoan Kim Tien, Wataru Inamori, Fuminori Yoneyama and Akio Mase
Wood-decay fungi may show potential in the degradation of rubber products in a natural and environmentally friendly process. Therefore, this study investigated the degradation of vulcanized natural rubber sheets by wood-decay fungi Trichaptum abietinum and Trichaptum biforme and the action of these fungi on the internal and external morphology, chemical composition and physical properties of the rubber sheets. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that T. abietinum and T. biforme caused significant changes in the morphology of whole rubber. Crystals including calcium elements were formed on the rubber sheet after fungal treatment. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) revealed a decrease in ash ingredient content corresponding to calcium carbonate in rubber treated with T. biforme for 3 mon.. View More»
DOI:
10.35248/2165-8056.23.13.236