Nano to sub-micron spherical carbon particles from bagasse-lignin precursors: Preparation, characterization, and electrostatic dissipative application
Abstract
In this work, we propose a synthetic method of bagasse lignin-based carbons with spherical structures in the range of nano to sub-micron dimension to enhance their specific surface area and interfacial interaction with polymer matrices. The potential application of spherical carbons in biopolymer composites for electrostatic dissipative (ESD) fields will be especially investigated. Initially, spherical lignin particles (SLPs) will be synthesized via a self-assemble mechanism using organosolv bagasse lignin as a raw material. Major properties of SLPs, textural morphology and particle size and its distribution, will be characterized. As-prepared SLPs will be employed as precursors for the preparation of spherical carbon particles (SCPs) through thermal stabilization and carbonization processes. The effect of carbonization parameters such as temperature, time, and heating rate will be systematically studied. The significant characteristics of SCPs such as surface area, electrical conductivity, graphitic structure, elemental composition, and structural topology will be determined and compared with conductive petroleum-based carbon black. Afterward, polylactic acid (PLA)-SCP composites will be prepared at different SCP contents by melt mixing in a twin screw extruder. It is expected that oxygen content in SCPs derived from lignin precursor will assist the dispersion of SCPs in PLA without using any dispersing agent. The PLA-SCP sheet will be obtained by cast-sheet extrusion process using a single screw extruder. The toughness of PLA-SCP sheets will be improved with the addition of polybutylene succinate (PBS) at various loadings. The ESD properties of cast sheets will be determined such as surface resistivity and tribo-charge voltage. The tensile properties of cast sheets will be tested as well. This work will open up the possibility of utilizing bagasse, an abundant agricultural waste in Thailand, to produce high-value-added, renewable, sustainable and low cost carbon materials as conductive fillers in polymer composites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2023
- Source ID
- FA23862114109
Entities
People
- Darunee Aussawasathien
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Thailand National Metal and Materials Technology Center
- United States Air Force