A sustainable and resilient approach through biochar addition in wood polymer composites. Sci. Total Environ.

Published Date

Sci. Total Environ.

Sci Total Environ 2015 Apr 26;512-513:326-36. Epub 2015 Dec 26.

Author 

Oisik Das, Ajit K Sarmah, Debes Bhattacharyya

Biocomposites have been used for sustainability for a few years now and considerable advancements have been made to perfect the physical and mechanical properties. However, there still remain some considerable disadvantages (such as inferior mechanical strength, thickness swell, and rotting) which restrict their proper utilization in wider markets. Attempts have been made to remedy these drawbacks but still further investigation is required to address all the issues and alleviate as many shortcomings as possible. Additionally, concerns related to landfill gas emission prompted the necessity for effective utilization of organic wastes. Lignocellulosic wastes can be valorized by thermo-chemical conversion to form a carbonaceous and renewable material called biochar. Keeping these two problems in mind, a relatively novel idea is recommended for the manufacture of biocomposites where biochar made from pyrolysis of waste could be added with wood and plastic. It is expected to mitigate the general disadvantages of conventional wood plastic composites (WPCs) and at the same time manage landfill wastes giving rise to a potential new breed of improved next generation biocomposites. Furthermore, a 'resilient' perspective is conferred where the long term viability of the state-of-the-art product could be ensured.

Affiliation

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Center for Advanced Composite Materials, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.

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