Effect of biochar on mechanical and flame retardant properties of wood – Plastic composites

Abstract

Biochar/wood/plastic composites were prepared with different biochar content by the extrusion method, and the mechanical properties and flame retardant properties were tested. The study indicated that: with the increase of biochar content, the mechanical properties of the composites tended to rise at first and then fell. This suggested that the appropriate amount of biochar can promote the mechanical properties of the biochar/wood/plastic composites. Though both Mg(OH)2 and Al(OH)3 could improve the Flame retardant properties of the material evidently, Mg(OH)2 obtained a better effect than Al(OH)3. In particular, when the adding amount of Mg(OH)2 is 40 wt%, the flame retardant effect is the best. Al(OH)3 can reduce the mechanical properties of the material, while Mg(OH)2 could evidently promote the tensile strength and impact resistance strength of the material. Keywords: Biochar, Composites, Mechanical properties, Flame retardant properties