Biocomposites from biobased polyamide 4,10 and waste corn cob based biocarbon

Abstract

Development of polyamide 4,10 (PA 4,10) from renewable resources is a positive step towards replacement of traditional polyamides. The environmental impact of PA 4,10 is further improved through incorporation of sustainable biocarbon (BioC) filler derived from agro-residues, specifically corn cob. Pyrolysis improved filler stability at high temperatures required for PA 4,10 processing as opposed to raw corn cob, with biocomposites in the present work having an elevated biocontent to 76%. Corn cob BioC pyrolyzed at 350, 500, and 900 °C was characterized to elucidate its interactions with PA 4,10, finding a pyrolysis temperature of 350 °C providing strong interfacial adhesion via particle encapsulation. Biocomposites maintained similar mechanical and thermal properties as compared to neat polymer. Hindrance of crack propagation and rigidity of filler particles led to improvements in tensile modulus and heat deflection temperature by 6 and 12%, respectively. These composites provide a route to diminish reliance on petroleum-based polyamide products.