The Addition of Charcoal Fines Can Increase the Photodegradation Resistance of Polymeric Biocomposites

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the addition of widely available, cheap, and biologically based residues, such as charcoal fines, in the production of polymeric biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers subjected to UV-C radiation. The addition of charcoal fines was 0, 10, 20, 30% in the polymeric matrix of the biocomposites. The mechanical and chemical properties of the biocomposites were evaluated. The flexural strength was more resistant when subjected to UV-C radiation with 20% filling. These results attest that biocomposites with the addition of vegetative charcoal fines are less susceptible to photodegradation.

Keywords

• natural fibers
• biomass residues
• charcoal fine filling
• UV-C radiation