Effect of carbonization temperature on properties of natural fiber and charcoal filled hybrid polymer composite

In this study, bamboo fiber filled polypropylene composites (BPCs) were prepared using bamboo and coconut shell charcoal as reinforcing fillers for enhancing the properties of composites. Bamboo and coconut shell biomass were carbonized at different carbonization temperatures (300, 400, 600, and 900OC); 1 h soaking time and at 5OC-min heating rates. The effect of carbonization temperature and charcoal content (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%) on mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of BPCs has been investigated. The experimental results show that charcoal which is obtained at lower pyrolysis temperature (300OC and 400OC) improves the strength properties of BPCs, whereas, strength properties remains unaltered when charcoal prepared at elevated temperatures (600OC and 900OC) are added to BPCs. Compared to coconut shell charcoal (CSC) better mechanical properties were obtained through bamboo charcoal (BC). This has been attributed to flakes like appearance of BC, having pores present on their surfaces. The study also shows that addition of charcoal provides thermal stability to BPCs, particularly via charcoal prepared at elevated temperature (900OC). The optimum temperature for achieving sufficient hydrophobicity in BPCs is found to be 300OC and 600OC for BC and CSC, respectively.

Automated summary

The study found that bamboo charcoal prepared at lower pyrolysis temperatures (300 and 400 degrees Celsius) can improve the strength properties of bamboo fiber filled polypropylene composites, while charcoals prepared at higher temperatures (600 and 900 degrees Celsius) do not enhance the strength properties. Bamboo charcoal is more suitable for improving mechanical properties compared to coconut shell charcoal, and the addition of charcoal provides thermal stability and improved water absorption properties to the composites.