Prospects and problems in the development of biochar-filled plastic composites: a review

Abstract

This study is a review of published literature that discusses the utilization of biochar and plastics as filler and matrix, respectively, in a composite material. These composites, referred to as biochar-filled plastic composites (BFPCs), play a significant role in the production of environmentally friendly materials. This paper provides an overview of BFPCs, their properties (mechanical, rheological, morphological, electrical, and thermal properties), fabrication techniques, and prospects and challenges associated with their development. Even though there have been previous studies on BFPCs, none of these studies have discussed the drawbacks and potential associated with the development of BFPCs. Biochars’ small weight makes them a more appealing option than traditional mineral fillers when it comes to reducing vehicle weight. Due to their superior mechanical and thermal qualities, as well as their low carbon footprint, biochar-filled plastic composites (BFPCs) play a significant role in the production of environmentally friendly materials. It was observed that either melt extrusion or injection moulding are usually used to fabricate BFPC. It was observed that the properties of BFPCs are influenced by several factors such as the type and concentration of plastic, method of fabrication, the biochar content, mixing uniformity of the mixture, wetting, and particle dispersion. Challenges of BFPCs were also discussed, such as the issue of particle agglomeration and poor interfacial bonding at high biochar concentrations in the composite. Composites made from recycled polymers or biodegradable polymers can be developed to improve the composites' overall sustainability.

Upcycling of Waste Polymer Using Surface Modified Hemp Derived Biochar Carbon for Sustainable Packaging Applications

“…However, it can be noted that the strain % at fracture has considerably dropped, which could be attributed to the regular phenomenon found in polymer systems when their polymer chain stacking and cross-linking behavior is enhanced. 39 Also, it can be noted that the improvement of mechanical properties aligns well with the improvement observed in the thermal properties of the films, especially crystallinity.…”

“…As a result of surface functionalization and improvement in the surface area available for the interfacial interaction, the films reinforced with plasma-treated carbon have relatively high mechanical strength and modulus. However, it can be noted that the strain % at fracture has considerably dropped, which could be attributed to the regular phenomenon found in polymer systems when their polymer chain stacking and cross-linking behavior is enhanced . Also, it can be noted that the improvement of mechanical properties aligns well with the improvement observed in the thermal properties of the films, especially crystallinity.…”

Microstructural and thermal properties of thermally cured calcined cow bone/kaolin filled hybrid polystyrene composites

“…However, the use of epoxy resins for composite development has suffered some shortcomings in recent times, such as their requirement for hardeners or curing agents, smoke suppressants, and flame retardants in the fabrication of composites, which have elevated their cost of production 7–9 . In this regard, various researchers have gone out of their way to seek suitable alternatives with better quality and lower cost compared to epoxy resin‐based composites 10 . One such resin alternative is polystyrene resin.…”

“…[7][8][9] In this regard, various researchers have gone out of their way to seek suitable alternatives with better quality and lower cost compared to epoxy resin-based composites. 10 One such resin alternative is polystyrene resin.…”