RESUMO
Natural rubber (NR), derived from Hevea brasiliensis, has properties for biomedical applications. Several studies indicate that these properties can be amplified when we associate another bioproduct. However, there are no studies of aging aspects of this biomaterial regarding changes in functionality, structure and composition. The objective was to evaluate the aging process of natural rubber membranes - copaiba (NRC) subjected to controlled conditions of time, light and presence of oxygen. The NRC was prepared and stored in the presence or absence of light and vacuum, for periods of 30, 60 and 90 days. Subsequently, the membranes were characterized through the techniques of wettability, infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, scanning microscopy and antioxidant activity. The wettability analysis, showed that NRC membranes both in the zero time and in the aging time were hydrophilic. Through thermogravimetric analysis and differential exploratory analysis the membranes remained thermally stable. The scanning electronic microscopy, indicated no morphological alterations during the observed period. After 90 days, the packaged membranes showed satisfactory antioxidant activity. Our results suggest that the membranes were resistant to the storage period, since they maintained their chemical, thermal, morphological and antioxidant characteristics. Hence, it corroborates to use of membranes as a possible curative for biomedical applications.