Title:Preparation and Properties of Biocomposite Prepared from Waste
Polystyrene and Prospopis africana Biochar
Volume: 16
Issue: 5
Author(s): Adewale George Adeniyi*, Sulyman A. Abdulkareem, Kingsley O. Iwuozor, Ebuka Chizitere Emenike, Comfort A. Adeyanju, Maryam T. Abdulkareem and Maroof O. Omisore
Affiliation:
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Ilorin, P.M.B. 1515, Ilorin, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Landmark University, Omu Aran, Nigeria
Keywords:
Biocomposite, Thermal properties, mechanical properties, biochar, waste management, Prospopis africana
Abstract:
Introduction: In this study, the pods of Prospopis Africana were thermochemically
converted into biochar and combined with polystyrene resin in varying
proportions to form composites.
Method: The composites were then characterized to determine their characteristics
using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a Scanning electron microscope
coupled with the energy dispersive X-ray Spectrophotometer (SEM-EDX), and a Differential
scanning calorimeter (DSC).
Result: The FTIR analysis confirmed the changing or shifting of several peaks in the
polystyrene resin and biochar samples. The hardness test showed that incorporating
the Prosopis africana biochar into the solvated polystyrene matrix reduced the latter's
hardness and reduced the impact value. SEM analysis showed that the biochar was
firmly embedded in the polystyrene matrix, showing good adhesion between the matrix
and the filler.
Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that composites produced from Prosopis
africana biochar filler and polystyrene resin matrix could be used as adsorbents and in
the fabrication of materials requiring good electrical and thermal properties.