article · Discover Applied Sciences
This research evaluates environmentally friendly biocomposites fabricated from Opuntia cladode fibre and palm flower biochar. Incorporating these natural materials substantially improved mechanical characteristics. An optimal formulation consisting of 57 percent resin, 40 percent fibre, and 3 percent biochar achieved a flexural strength of 217 MPa, tensile strength of 178 MPa, impact strength of 7.2 J, and a hardness of 92 Shore-D. Increasing biochar content to 5 percent caused a minor drop in mechanical performance. Thermal conductivity rose alongside biochar content, spanning from 0.36 to 0.49 W/mK, with biochar also functioning as an effective lubricant. While the presence of fibre and biochar altered water uptake behaviour, applying a silane surface treatment helped to mitigate water absorption.
Industries increasingly need sustainable, high-performing materials to replace fossil-based composites. Utilising agricultural by-products such as Opuntia cactus fibres and palm flower biochar provides an eco-friendly path to create strong, thermally conductive biocomposites. This approach supports circular resource use while delivering materials that resist water absorption and withstand demanding mechanical stresses.
The abstract highlights potential uses in automotive components, electronics, packaging, and spacecraft, which could interest manufacturers seeking sustainable structural or packaging materials. Because the findings are based on laboratory formulations and testing of mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties, the work appears to be at an applied and tested, early-stage development level rather than ready for immediate industrial adoption.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
Abstract This study addresses the development of environmentally friendly biocomposites using Opuntia cladode fiber and palm flower biochar for industrial applications. Derived sustainably, these materials significantly enhance mechanical properties, exemplified by Composite C3 (Resin 57wt.%, Fiber 40 wt%, Biochar 3 wt%) with notable flexural strength (217 MPa), tensile strength (178 MPa), impact strength (7.2 J), and hardness (92 Shore-D). However, a 5% biochar concentration led to a slight property decline. Thermal conductivity increased proportionally with biochar concentration, ranging from 0.36 to 0.49 W/mK, with biochar acting as an effective lubricant. Opuntia cladode fiber and biochar influenced water absorption rates, mitigated by silane surface treatment. The biocomposites show promise for electronics, spacecraft, automotive components, and packaging. The specific problem addressed is the need for sustainable materials. Opuntia cladode fiber and palm flower biochar offer a focused solution, yielding composites with improved mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties for targeted industrial applications.
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DOI: 10.1007/s42452-024-05660-4
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