Anti-Oxidative Activity of Alcohol-Water Extracts from Field Horsetail (Equisteum arvense) in Elastomer Vulcanizates Subjected to Accelerated Aging Processes

The article aimed to highlight the antioxidant potential of natural extracts obtained from Equisteum arvense in elastomer vulcanizatec made of natural rubber. Horsetail extracts were prepared using four solvent systems at different volume ratios: methanol–water (50/50 and 70/30) and ethanol–water (50/50 and 70/30), which were then lyophilized and added to the polymer matrix. A deep characterization of the obtained bio-additives was performed. The obtained vulcanizates were subjected to various aging processes: thermo-oxidative, ultraviolet and solar. Then, the resistance and susceptibility of vulcanizates to selected processes of accelerated, simulated degradation were determined based on the changes in the spatial structure (network nodes), material strength and physical properties (color). The research showed the presence of polyphenols in the extracts of horsetail, which resulted in their high anti-oxidative activity. Moreover, the extracts were able to absorb UV radiation. As a consequence, they were active additives that protected rubber vulcanizates against the damaging effects of the aging processes, securing their functional properties. Samples containing natural extracts were characterized by better stability of: mechanical strength parameters, the increase in cross-linking density and color changes after simulating aging processes in comparison with the control sample.