25 January 2024 | L. Natrayan, Neelima Devi Chinta, Nalla Bhanu Teja, G. Muthu, S. Kaliappan, S. Kirubanandan, Prabhu Paramasivam
This study explores the development of environmentally friendly biocomposites using Opuntia cladode fiber and palm flower biochar for industrial applications. The research aims to enhance mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and water absorption characteristics of the composites. Key findings include:
1. **Mechanical Properties**: Composite C3 (40 wt% Opuntia cladode fiber, 3 wt% palm flower biochar) exhibits superior mechanical properties, with a flexural strength of 217 MPa, tensile strength of 178 MPa, impact strength of 7.2 J, and hardness of 92 Shore-D. However, adding 5% biochar slightly reduces these properties due to stress concentration and interfacial cracking.
2. **Thermal Conductivity**: Thermal conductivity increases with biochar concentration, ranging from 0.36 to 0.49 W/mK. Biochar acts as an effective lubricant, enhancing heat conduction.
3. **Water Absorption**: Water absorption rates are mitigated by silane surface treatment. The addition of biochar further increases water absorption, but the silane treatment reduces overall water absorption.
4. **Conclusion**: The optimal composition for the composites is 3% volume of biochar, achieving the best balance between reinforcement and potential disadvantages. The composites show promise for applications in electronics, spacecraft, automotive components, and packaging.
The research highlights the potential of Opuntia cladode fiber and palm flower biochar as sustainable materials, offering improved mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties for targeted industrial uses.This study explores the development of environmentally friendly biocomposites using Opuntia cladode fiber and palm flower biochar for industrial applications. The research aims to enhance mechanical properties, thermal conductivity, and water absorption characteristics of the composites. Key findings include:
1. **Mechanical Properties**: Composite C3 (40 wt% Opuntia cladode fiber, 3 wt% palm flower biochar) exhibits superior mechanical properties, with a flexural strength of 217 MPa, tensile strength of 178 MPa, impact strength of 7.2 J, and hardness of 92 Shore-D. However, adding 5% biochar slightly reduces these properties due to stress concentration and interfacial cracking.
2. **Thermal Conductivity**: Thermal conductivity increases with biochar concentration, ranging from 0.36 to 0.49 W/mK. Biochar acts as an effective lubricant, enhancing heat conduction.
3. **Water Absorption**: Water absorption rates are mitigated by silane surface treatment. The addition of biochar further increases water absorption, but the silane treatment reduces overall water absorption.
4. **Conclusion**: The optimal composition for the composites is 3% volume of biochar, achieving the best balance between reinforcement and potential disadvantages. The composites show promise for applications in electronics, spacecraft, automotive components, and packaging.
The research highlights the potential of Opuntia cladode fiber and palm flower biochar as sustainable materials, offering improved mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties for targeted industrial uses.