Development of reinforced bio composite plastic using biochar filler.
Abstract
Over recent years, enthusiasm towards the manufacturing of biopolymers has attracted
considerable attention due to the rising concern about depleting resources and worsening
pollution. Among the biopolymers available in the world, polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the
highest biopolymers produced globally and thus, making it suitable for product
commercialisation. Therefore, the effectiveness of natural fibre reinforced PLA composite as
an alternative material to substitute the non-renewable petroleum-based materials has been
examined by researchers. The type of fibre used in fibre/matrix adhesion is very important
because it influences the bio composites’ mechanical properties.
The research aim was to determine the effect of different factors such as biochar length, biochar
loading and magnesium hydroxide content on the tensile strength and thermal stability of the
PLA plastics developed. Higher biochar loading (30%wt) with smaller biochar particles
(300µm) were found to enhance the tensile strength up to 24.89Mpa. Increasing the magnesium
hydroxide content (10%wt) was found to enhance the thermal stability of plastics developed
but reduce the tensile strength up to below 2Mpa.
Fibre-reinforced PLA composites were prepared using compression moulding. Magnesium
hydroxide and biochar filler were used to enhance tensile and thermal properties of PLA. Three
factors, namely, biochar filler loading (10−30 wt. %), Mg (OH) 2) content (5−10wt. %) biochar
length (300µm-2.68mm) were varied with 17 individual experiments. Tensile tests were carried
out according to ASTM D638 standards. TGA tests were carried out to test for thermal
properties
Keywords: Polylactic acid (PLA), biochar, Mg (OH) 2, tensile strength properties, TGA