Co-pyrolysis of waste wood and plastic to produce quasi graphitic carbon: enhanced biochar properties for metal coatings through safe sequestration and green technology

Abstract

Use of waste polystyrene as an additive in the preparation of biowaste derived char can provide significant new properties that enhance the performance of the epoxy coating on steel surface. This work establishes a cost-effective Quasi-graphitic carbon (QGC) derived from the co-pyrolysis of Eucalyptus wood chips and polystyrene as a mix in epoxy (EP) matrix for enhanced the coating properties. The QGC material was characterized by FTIR, XRD, Raman, SEM-EDX, TGA, etc. Results show the incorporation of 0.1 wt.% QGC to the EP matrix enhances corrosion resistance by 98.6 % and boosts mechanical properties with a 245.45 % increase in hardness and a 57.31 % rise in elastic modulus compared to pure EP coatings. Microscopic analysis reveals a smoother, more compact surface with fewer structural defects comapred to pure EP coating. Adhesion tests score the category of 4B, 5B, and water contact angle improve to 102.8°, compared to 61.6° for pure EP coatings. These eco-friendly materials, created through environmentally conscious processes can be a safe alternative to the conventional toxic chemicals used to protect against corrosion,particularly in marine environments.