Work

Pinewood biochar antistatic polymer composites: an investigation of electrical, mechanical, rheological and thermal properties

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the practical applications of biochar as an innovative and sustainable conductive filler in composite materials. Utilizing the conventional melt-blending method, we prepared conductive pinewood biochar-filled poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) composites and systematically examined their electrical, mechanical, rheological and thermal properties. Our results reveal a significant enhancement of electrical and mechanical properties upon the inclusion of conductive pinewood biochar in the PLA/PBAT matrix. With the addition of 10 wt% of conductive pinewood biochar, the average surface resistivity of the composites decreased by three orders of magnitude, measuring 4.86×1010Ω/sq, which meets the antistatic requirements for polymer composites. Additionally, the average tensile strength of the biochar filler composites improved by 53% with an addition of just 1 wt% of biochar.

Source: International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials

DOI: 10.1080/19475411.2024.2408013

Authors: Justin George, Sergejs Gaidukovs, Debes Bhattacharyya

Institutions: University of Auckland, Riga Technical University

Language: English

Topic: Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,533