Development of thermally reduced corn stover biochar and its satin weaved sisal-reinforced vinyl ester composites

The aim of this research is to develop thermally reduced corn stover biochar and combined it with the satin weaved sisalreinforced vinyl ester composites. This investigation focus on mechanical, wear, DMA, fatigue, and hydrophobic properties of this composite, characterized according to ASTM standards. Composites are made after silane surface treatment on
reinforcements and fabricated by hand layup process. Results show that the composite with the 5.0 vol.% biochar had the
highest values of mechanical properties, which were 134 MPa, 4372 MPa, and 4.74 J for tensile strength, fexural strength,
and Izod impact, respectively. But further increased in biochar up to 5.0 vol.% shows the reduction in mechanical properties.
On the other hand, the composite designation VS3 was discovered to have the maximum storage modulus and lowest loss factor with inclusion of 5.0 vol.% of biochar particles as well as it shows the better wear characteristics of about 0.28 coeffcient of friction and 0.009mm3 /Nm sp. wear rate. However, maximum fatigue life counts of about 28,813 were observed
by addition of 3.0 vol.% of biochar. The composite material designated VS3 exhibits the highest recorded contact angle,
which is around 71°, indicating that it is hydrophobic in nature. SEM fractography demonstrates better fber-to-matrix adhesion as a result of surface treatment on reinforcing materials. Furthermore, such composites could be used in industrial and
domestic applications