Densified biochar capsules as an alternative to conventional seedings.

The application of biochar in soil provides various benefits that can vary in intensity as the pyrolysis temperature increases. However, its low density makes this material easily transportable and prone to being removed from the system. The objective of this study was to investigate the pyrolysis temperatures and compression pressure of densified biochar carrier capsules on the physiological quality of Schizolobium parahyba var. amazonicum seeds. Produced at three final pyrolysis temperatures (300, 600, and 900 °C), the biochar was characterized through bulk and true density analyses, immediate composition, pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, water-soluble carbon, characterization of organic structures by FTIR, and PAH analysis. Subsequently, the biochar was compacted by briquetting at two compression pressures (50 and 200 psi) with one seed per capsule, and germination, emergence, and quality of generated seedlings were evaluated. After verifying residue normality and variance homogeneity, analysis of variance was conducted following a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, with four replications per treatment and two additional control treatments. Upon identifying significant differences, regression model adjustments were performed. Cluster-based multivariate analysis was used to identify similarities among the studied treatments, both for capsules and controls. Pyrolysis temperature and compression pressure influenced seed germination, emergence, and initial seedling growth. Lower pressure favored shoot development, while higher pressure favored root development and generated seedlings of higher quality. The benefits of biochar to soil, combined with the implementation of seeds, make the production of densified biochar capsules an alternative to conventional seedings, potentially reducing high energy and financial costs and enabling the recovery of degraded areas, even in difficult-to-access regions.

Photoluminous Response of Biocomposites Produced with Charcoal.

Due to the possible effects of global warming, new materials that do not have a negative impact on the environment are being studied. To serve a variety of industries and outdoor applications, it is necessary to consider the impact of photoluminosity on the performance of biocomposites in order to accurately assess their durability characteristics and prevent substantial damage. Exposure to photoluminosity can result in adverse effects such as discoloration, uneven surface, loss of mass, and manipulation of the intrinsic mechanical properties of biocomposites. This study aims to evaluate general charcoal from three pyrolysis temperatures to understand which charcoal is most suitable for photoluminosity and whether higher pyrolysis temperatures have any significant effect on photoluminosity. Porosity, morphology, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of charcoal were analyzed. Charcoal obtained at a temperature of 800 °C demonstrates remarkable potential as a bioreinforcement in polymeric matrices, attributable to its significantly higher porosity (81.08%) and hydrophobic properties. The biocomposites were characterized for flexural strength, tensile strength, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR, and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed an improvement in tensile strength after exposure to photoluminosity, with an increase of 69.24%, 68.98%, and 54.38% at temperatures of 400, 600, and 800 °C, respectively, in relation to the treatment control. It is notorious that the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity after photoluminosity initially had a negative impact on mechanical strength, the incorporation of charcoal from higher pyrolysis temperatures showed a substantial increase in mechanical strength after exposure to photoluminosity, especially at 800 °C with breaking strength of 53.40 MPa, and modulus of elasticity of 4364.30 MPA. Scanning electron microscopy revealed an improvement in morphology, with a decrease in roughness at 800 °C, which led to greater adhesion to the polyester matrix. These findings indicate promising prospects for a new type of biocomposite, particularly in comparison with other polymeric compounds, especially in engineering applications that are subject to direct interactions with the weather.

A Novel Approach to Charcoal Fine Waste: Sustainable Use as Filling of Polymeric Matrices.

Most composites produced come from fossil fuel sources. Renewable strategies are needed for the production of composites. Charcoal fines are considered waste and an alternative for the production of biocomposites. The charcoal fines resulting from the pyrolysis of any biomass are an efficient alternative for the production of green composites. Studies to understand how the pyrolysis parameters influence the properties of this material for the production of biocomposites are necessary. Charcoal has a high carbon content and surface area, depending on final production temperatures. This study aims to evaluate charcoal fines as potential reinforcing agents in biocomposites. This study investigated for the first time charcoal fines from three pyrolysis temperatures (400, 600, and 800 °C) to identify the most suitable charcoal for use as a raw material in the production of carbon biocomposites with 30% by weight incorporated into a polyester matrix composite. Apparent density, porosity, morphology, and immediate chemical composition and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of charcoal fines were evaluated. The charcoal fines produced at 800 °C showed interesting potential as polymeric matrix fillers due to their higher porosity (81.08%), fixed carbon content (96.77%), and hydrophobicity. The biocomposites were analyzed for flexural and tensile strength and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed an improvement in resistance at elevated temperatures, especially at 800 °C, with higher breaking strength (84.11 MPa), modulus of elasticity (4064.70 MPa), and traction (23.53 MPa). Scanning electron microscopy revealed an improvement in morphology, with a decrease in roughness at 800 °C, which caused greater adhesion to the polyester matrix. These results revealed a promising new biocomposite compared to other natural lignocellulosic polymeric composites (NLFs) in engineering applications.