Biochar has been widely examined as an alternative bio-based filler material in plastics. In this application, biochar is a promising alternative to fossil fuel-derived filler materials, such as carbon black, and can improve the strength and stiffness of various plastics. In this work, we perform an environmental impact assessment examining how biochar fillers reduce the environmental impacts of biodegradable, recycled, and petroleum-derived plastics. First, composites of forest-residue-derived biochar with HDPE, recycled HDPE, and PLA are found to be carbon neutral at biochar loadings that result in increased tensile strength and stiffness. Next, biochar produced from the high volume and high environmental impact waste stream of food waste is characterized and examined for application in plastic composites, highlighting the potential for a valuable material to be produced from this important waste stream.

Biochar as a filler material in plastics: Reducing plastics environmental impacts and reusing waste

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.