Biochar as a filler in mixed matrix materials: Synthesis, characterization, and applications. Issue 41 (31st May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lewis, Jeremy; Miller, Mark; Crumb, Jake; Al‐Sayaghi, Maram; Buelke, Chris; Tesser, Austin; Alshami, Ali
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 136:Issue 41(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-05-31
• Subjects: biochar -- mixed matrix material -- nanocomposite -- polymer matrix composite -- polysulfone; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.48027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The use of mixed‐matrix materials (MMM) has become a major topic of research in recent years, due to unique properties achieved in these composites. In this work, biochar from sunflower seed hull pyrolysis and biochar/polysulfone (PSF) MMMs were produced and characterized. The optimal pyrolysis temperature for biochar production was determined to be 500 °C. The resulting biochar properties were an iodine number of 203 mg/g and a pore volume of 0.595 mL/g. In MMM fabrication, the use 4% ethanol as nonsolvent in the wet phase inversion process increased the glass transition temperature by 8 °C, indicating improved biochar/PSF interaction. The presence of biochar was shown to create pores in otherwise dense surfaces. The critical surface energy was also increased by the addition of biochar from 28.6 mN/m in pristine PSF to 35.7 mN/m in biochar/PSF MMMs. We identified and discussed several potential applications based on the determined properties. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019, 136, 48027. Abstract :