Incorporation of Biochar to Improve Mechanical, Thermal and Electrical Properties of Polymer Composites

Abstract

The strive for utilization of green fillers in polymer composite has increased focus on application of natural biomass-based fillers. Biochar has garnered a lot of attention as a filler material and has the potential to replace conventionally used inorganic mineral fillers. Biochar is a carbon rich product obtained from thermochemical conversion of biomass in nitrogen environment. In this review, current studies dealing with incorporation of biochar in polymer matrices as a reinforcement and conductive filler were addressed. Each study mentioned here is nuanced, while addressing the same goal of utilization of biochar as a filler. In this review paper, an in-depth analysis of biochar and its structure is presented. The paper explored the various methods employed in fabrication of the biocomposites. A thorough review on the effect of addition of biochar on the overall composite properties showed immense promise in improving the overall composite properties. An analysis of the possible knowledge gaps was also done, and improvements were suggested. Through this study we tried to present the status of application of biochar as a filler material and its potential future applications.

Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) Containing Waste Hemp-Derived Biochar Fibers: Mechanical, Electrical, Thermal and Tribological Behavior

“…Moreover, the addition of increasing amounts of a stiff filler accounted for an overall stiffening of the composites. The reinforcing effect of biochar on Young’s modulus of polymer-based composites is widely reported in the literature [ 14 , 60 ]. Moreover, the greater the amount of added HFB, the lower the elongation ability ( Figure 7 B) of the material because of the poor interface interaction between polymer and filler.…”

Application of Biochar as Functional Material for Remediation of Organic Pollutants in Water: An Overview

“…To overcome these drawbacks, a biochar/polymer composite can be fabricated for undemanding separation. This is a win-win strategy, as the biochar can enhance the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the polymer [131,132], and the polymer film will ease the reusability and catalyst stability. Amongst polymers, organics decontamination using floating (low-density) polymer-based materials (e.g., linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)) is highly desirable as no stirring is required, separation of catalyst is facile, and the floating of the catalyst allows excellent utilization of light irradiation (in the case of photocatalysis).…”

Effect of Low-Temperature Plasma Treatment on Starch-Based Biochar and Its Reinforcement for Three-Dimensional Printed Polypropylene Biocomposites

“…The sharp increase in problems associated with global warming, environmental pollution, and depleting fossil fuel resources has created the need for the development of material systems and fabrication processes that are sustainable. − Plant- and animal-based materials are being rapidly explored as alternative materials for various applications. − Reinforcing polymer matrices with inexpensive sustainable carbon filler materials has been explored rigorously in the past by researchers particularly to mitigate dependency on fossil fuel-based reinforcing fillers like carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets. − The reinforcing ability of biochar carbon mainly depends on the inherent strength of the fillers and mechanical interlocking between the filler and host polymer matrix. For this reason, biochar with microsize pores is preferred to create effective interlocking. , However, such biochars with micropores due to their relatively poor mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties are loaded in huge weight percentages (15–30%) to create a composite with improved properties.…”