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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Artículo Open Access |
| Published: |
Wiley
2025
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://4spepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pc.70233 |
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Table of Contents:
- Enhancement of the Functional Properties of Vinyl Ester Composites Using Alkali‐Treated Cocos nucifera Shell Biochar for Sustainable Applications R. Pradeep B. Balavairavan P. Senthamaraikannan R. Kumar B. K. Parrthipan P. Narayanasamy S. Thangakasirajan M. Aravindkumar K. Ashwin Polymer Composites ABSTRACT The objective of this study is to enhance the mechanical, thermal, dielectric, and functional characteristics of vinyl ester composites by adding environmentally friendly alkali‐treated Cocos nucifera shell (CNS) biochar for high‐performance, sustainable material applications. Six combinations of composite plates were prepared by incorporating 5%, 10%, and 15% of untreated and alkali‐treated CNS biochar into a vinyl ester matrix using the solution casting technique. Alkali treatment improves the surface structure of CNS biochar through the removal of non‐cellulosic components and enhanced compatibility and bonding. FTIR analysis verifies structural changes, and XRD analysis indicates enhanced crystallinity (34%–49%) and crystallite size (15–27 nm) with the elimination of amorphous parts. The fabricated composites are thermally stable up to 558°C with a residual mass of 16.45% and 23.25% for 15% untreated and alkali‐treated biochar composites, respectively. DSC analysis reveals a rise in glass transition temperature (156°C–164.8°C) and degradation temperature (255.54°C–263.76°C) for alkali‐treated CNS biochar‐loaded vinyl ester composites. A greater storage modulus ( E ′) of 17,445 Pa reflects enhanced load transfer. Water uptake is higher with CNS biochar content, up to 5.5% for VE/15% CNS composites, but decreases with alkali‐treated composites by stripping off polar groups. The water contact angle (WCA) of VE/15% CNS and VE/15% at‐CNS composites are 98.6° and 123.4°, respectively, which ensures the hydrophobicity. Alkali‐treated CNS biochar also increases the dielectric constant of vinyl ester composites via charge accumulation and polarization, enhancing charge storage and minimizing energy loss. 10.1002/pc.70233 http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/termsAndConditions#vor