Advanced Multifunctional Biocomposites from Thermally Stable Biocarbon and High Performance Thermoplastic for Mobility Applications

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This project is the first to address research in the area of high melting (> 300°C) engineering thermoplastic biocomposites. The chosen bio-based fillers include pyrolyzed biocarbons with outstanding thermal stability, e.g. nut shell biocarbons have maximum decomposition temperature >590°C. Their use has not yet been reported in biocomposites uses. Produced thermally stable graphitic biocarbon will be incorporated into high performance engineering plastics - polyphthalamide (PPA) and polyphenylenesulfide (PPS) that require processing temperature over 300°C. The thermoplastic biocomposites have desirable properties, providing lighter weight, high mechanical performance and thermal stability in biocomposite materials for applications in high performance materials, in electric car parts and aeronautics interior applications.The main focus will be on the utilization of Ontario biomass waste as well as various non-food biomass to produce highly thermally stable graphitic biocarbon through pyrolysis technique with various pyrolyzing temperatures: ~700°C to 1,500°C; together with various active metal catalysts. We will use active metal catalysts during pyrolysis to reduce the graphitization temperature of biomass (from 3,000°C to ~1,500°C), which ultimately reduces the energy consumption and cost of processing. The innovative aspect of the proposal is the use hybrid of highly graphitic biocarbon and thermally stable low temperature pyrolysis biocarbon, to engineer high performance biocomposites. This project will support development of materials from sustainable resources, with environmental benefits of conversion of the biomass waste streams into value-added applications, at competitive cost.