Production of Wood Plastics Composites (WPC) using biochar as filler and reinforcement

Abstract

Biocomposites, including the so-called WPC (Wood Plastics Composites), have been used as a tool in the production of sustainable materials for some years and considerable advances have been made to improve their physical and mechanical properties. However, there are still some considerable disadvantages (such as lower mechanical strength, increased thickness, dimensional stability, higher density, discoloration and decay) that restrict its proper use in wider markets. Attempts have been made to remedy these drawbacks, but further investigation is needed to resolve all issues and alleviate as many deficiencies as possible. Lignocellulosic residues can be recovered through thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis or carbonization), aiming to form a carbonaceous and renewable material, called biochar or biochar. A solution is sought that meets both demands, within the principles of the circular economy: the use of biochar/biochar produced from the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic waste and urban waste; and uses of charcoal fines generated in conventional charcoal plants. Thus, through the concept of using cascade biomass, the objective is to manufacture biocomposites where biochar can be added to wood (sandpaper dust) and various natural fibers (rice husk), in a thermoplastic matrix. It is expected that the incorporation of biochar in thermoplastic composites reinforced with natural fibers can mitigate the general disadvantages of these materials known as first-generation WPC and at the same time give rise to a potential variety of improved new-generation biocomposites, the so-called second-generation WPC. Generation. Allied to these advantages, the reduction of the carbon footprint and the use of low value raw materials. This product class can be called WPBC - Wood Plastic Biochar Composite. This material, due to its immense production variables, needs to be better studied and tested in bio-based composites. The availability of potential raw material for biochar production is immense, including agricultural residues, residues, wood processing residues (sanding dust), an organic portion of municipal solid residues, etc. (DUKU et al., 2011). Until now, biochar has only been used in agricultural uses and in removing contaminants (KOOKANA et al., 2011; SRINIVASAN et al., 2015). Due to the very high surface, hydrophobic nature and hydrophobic nature, biochar can also be useful for use as filler or reinforcement in your thermoplastic resin base and lifting objective, the resin objective of this thermoplastics being. A highly specific surface area of the biochar allows the matrix to have a thermoplastic flow creating a mechanical interaction, the major interlock, as the mechanical properties of these composites. This application of biochar can extend its usability and produce composites while sustainably managing waste. However, even some studies have been reported today with the use of biochar, resulting in a large field of study to be studied. According to Academia.edu, until the 2020 data, about 688 papers were about the WPC topic, for a total of 18,823 mentions. Of this total, about a dozen known WPC with biochar and thermoplastic resins as matrix. (AU)