The Team

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This study compares biochar-filled polylactic acid (PLA) with carbon black-filled systems under UV exposure. Biochar provided limited protection, maintaining properties for 200 hours before rapid degradation, while carbon black offered sustained UV resistance. Thermal analysis showed biochar altered PLA crystallinity, reducing thermal stability by lowering glass transition temperature and increasing less stable crystalline phases. Larger biochar particles created stress concentrations that accelerated degradation. These findings explain why biochar may increase crystallinity without improving durability. Overall, reducing biochar particle size is essential to enhance performance and achieve protection comparable to carbon black in demanding applications. Full article here

This study evaluates biochar as a replacement for traditional plastic fillers like carbon black in agricultural mulch films using techno-economic and life cycle analyses. Results show that biochar requires thicker films to achieve similar opacity due to its larger particle size, increasing polymer use, cost, and environmental impacts. A comparable formulation needed higher biochar content and thickness, leading to slightly higher global warming potential and significantly greater land use impact. The resulting material was unsuitable for mulch applications. Overall, replacing carbon black with biochar is challenging under high-performance demands, though waste-derived biochar remains promising for less demanding plastic applications. Full article here

 This study explores using biochar derived from the solid fraction of anaerobic digestate to recover nutrients from its liquid fraction. Biochar produced at 500, 800, and 1000 °C was evaluated for phosphate adsorption. While higher temperatures reduced biochar yield, they improved stability and adsorption performance, making 800–1000 °C optimal. Results showed that this approach can effectively capture phosphate and reduce nutrient runoff risks associated with digestate disposal. Scaling analysis indicated that the produced biochar could adsorb about 20% of the phosphate in the liquid stream, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable solution for nutrient recovery and waste management. Full article here

This study compares biochar produced under controlled laboratory conditions with that made in industrial-scale systems to assess its reliability as a carbon dioxide removal technology. Using various organic waste feedstocks, biochar was generated in both environments and analyzed for chemical and structural properties. Results showed that while industrial biochar exhibited greater variability in volatiles and decomposition behavior, key characteristics such as carbon content, surface chemistry, and morphology were largely consistent with laboratory samples. These findings suggest that industrial systems can produce high-quality biochar comparable to lab results, supporting their potential for large-scale, sustainable waste valorization and carbon removal applications. Full article here.

Agricultural waste is produced globally in large volumes and can be transformed into valuable products using pyrolysis. This study examines biochar generated from biomass wastes and from co-pyrolysis with agricultural mulch films (AMFs). Biomass materials such as wood and cardboard were heated at 500–800 °C, with some samples mixed with LDPE films. Results showed that all biomass produced high-quality biochar suitable for soil use, with low contaminants. Adding plastic had minimal effect, as most plastic-derived products became gases. Economic analysis suggests farm-based systems can be viable if biochar maintains high market value. This approach offers a sustainable waste management alternative.  Full article here

This study examines how biochar feedstock influences the thermomechanical properties of biochar-filled plastics. Biochar derived from dairy manure and wood chips was incorporated into three polymers: polypropylene (PP), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polylactic acid (PLA). Results showed that feedstock type significantly affected strength, ductility, and thermal behavior, with variations depending on the polymer matrix. PLA and PCL samples exhibited notable statistical differences, including changes in tensile strength and elongation. These effects were likely linked to higher moisture content in manure-based biochar. Thermal analysis revealed altered crystallization in PLA. Overall, wood chip biochar performed better, highlighting feedstock as a key design factor. Full article here