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Carbon-Polymer Composites From Natural Precursors: Micro-Structural, Thermal and Mechanical Properties
Abstract
Agricultural waste materials have been explored in the preparation of activated carbon and carbon black employing chemical activation using H3PO4 and physical activation method respectively. Various biomasses based carbon blacks and activated carbons derived from bamboo stem, coconut shell and oil palm empty fiber bunch were characterized, compared and used as filler in epoxy composites. The microscopic structure, thermal properties and mechanical properties of the composites were studied. Incorporation of biomass based carbon blacks and activated carbons resulted in significant increases in thermal and flexural properties of the epoxy composites. The microstructure of the composites indicated that the addition of 5% filler greatly improved the properties of the composites and increased the fillers adhesion unto the epoxy matrix. This work provides new opportunities for advanced applications bioresource based materials in high performance composites applications.