Effect of Cotton Stalk Biochar Content on the Properties of Cotton Stalk and Residual Film Composites

This study aims to improve the performance of wood–plastic composites (WPCs) composed of cotton stalk powder and residual film particles. Additionally, it aims to promote the efficient utilization of cotton stalk biochar. The composites were prepared using modified cotton stalk biochar and xylem pow...

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Main Authors: Zhipeng Song, Xiaoyun Lian, Junhui Ran, Xuan Zheng, Xufeng Wang, Xiaoqing Lian
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Agriculture
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/12/1243
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author Zhipeng Song
Xiaoyun Lian
Junhui Ran
Xuan Zheng
Xufeng Wang
Xiaoqing Lian
author_facet Zhipeng Song
Xiaoyun Lian
Junhui Ran
Xuan Zheng
Xufeng Wang
Xiaoqing Lian
author_sort Zhipeng Song
collection DOAJ
description This study aims to improve the performance of wood–plastic composites (WPCs) composed of cotton stalk powder and residual film particles. Additionally, it aims to promote the efficient utilization of cotton stalk biochar. The composites were prepared using modified cotton stalk biochar and xylem powder as the matrix, maleic anhydride grafted high-density polyethylene (MA-HDPE) as the coupling agent, and polyethylene (PE) residual film particles as the filler. The WPCs were fabricated through melt blending using a twin-screw extruder. Mechanical properties were evaluated using a universal testing machine and texture analyzer, Shore D hardness was measured using a durometer, and microstructure was analyzed using a high-resolution digital optical microscope. A systematic investigation was conducted on the effect of biochar content on material properties. The results indicated that modified biochar significantly enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the WPCs. At a biochar content of 80%, the material achieved optimal performance, with a hardness of 57.625 HD, a bending strength of 463.159 MPa, and a tensile strength of 13.288 MPa. Additionally, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity decreased to 0.174 W/(m·K) and 0.220 mm<sup>2</sup>/s, respectively, indicating improved thermal insulation properties. This research provides a novel approach for the high-value utilization of cotton stalks and residual films, offering a potential solution to reduce agricultural waste pollution in Xinjiang and contributing to the development of low-cost and high-performance WPCs with wide-ranging applications.
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issn 2077-0472
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spelling doaj-art-5893505aeb0546bb89aedbed7afb1dfe2025-08-20T02:24:04ZengMDPI AGAgriculture2077-04722025-06-011512124310.3390/agriculture15121243Effect of Cotton Stalk Biochar Content on the Properties of Cotton Stalk and Residual Film CompositesZhipeng Song0Xiaoyun Lian1Junhui Ran2Xuan Zheng3Xufeng Wang4Xiaoqing Lian5College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, ChinaCollege of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, ChinaCollege of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, ChinaCollege of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, ChinaCollege of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, ChinaCollege of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Tarim University, Alar 843300, ChinaThis study aims to improve the performance of wood–plastic composites (WPCs) composed of cotton stalk powder and residual film particles. Additionally, it aims to promote the efficient utilization of cotton stalk biochar. The composites were prepared using modified cotton stalk biochar and xylem powder as the matrix, maleic anhydride grafted high-density polyethylene (MA-HDPE) as the coupling agent, and polyethylene (PE) residual film particles as the filler. The WPCs were fabricated through melt blending using a twin-screw extruder. Mechanical properties were evaluated using a universal testing machine and texture analyzer, Shore D hardness was measured using a durometer, and microstructure was analyzed using a high-resolution digital optical microscope. A systematic investigation was conducted on the effect of biochar content on material properties. The results indicated that modified biochar significantly enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the WPCs. At a biochar content of 80%, the material achieved optimal performance, with a hardness of 57.625 HD, a bending strength of 463.159 MPa, and a tensile strength of 13.288 MPa. Additionally, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity decreased to 0.174 W/(m·K) and 0.220 mm<sup>2</sup>/s, respectively, indicating improved thermal insulation properties. This research provides a novel approach for the high-value utilization of cotton stalks and residual films, offering a potential solution to reduce agricultural waste pollution in Xinjiang and contributing to the development of low-cost and high-performance WPCs with wide-ranging applications.https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/12/1243cotton stalk biocharresidual plastic filmwood–plastic compositethermophysical propertiesmechanical propertiesagricultural waste valorization
spellingShingle Zhipeng Song
Xiaoyun Lian
Junhui Ran
Xuan Zheng
Xufeng Wang
Xiaoqing Lian
Effect of Cotton Stalk Biochar Content on the Properties of Cotton Stalk and Residual Film Composites
Agriculture
cotton stalk biochar
residual plastic film
wood–plastic composite
thermophysical properties
mechanical properties
agricultural waste valorization
title Effect of Cotton Stalk Biochar Content on the Properties of Cotton Stalk and Residual Film Composites
title_full Effect of Cotton Stalk Biochar Content on the Properties of Cotton Stalk and Residual Film Composites
title_fullStr Effect of Cotton Stalk Biochar Content on the Properties of Cotton Stalk and Residual Film Composites
title_full_unstemmed Effect of Cotton Stalk Biochar Content on the Properties of Cotton Stalk and Residual Film Composites
title_short Effect of Cotton Stalk Biochar Content on the Properties of Cotton Stalk and Residual Film Composites
title_sort effect of cotton stalk biochar content on the properties of cotton stalk and residual film composites
topic cotton stalk biochar
residual plastic film
wood–plastic composite
thermophysical properties
mechanical properties
agricultural waste valorization
url https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0472/15/12/1243
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AT xuanzheng effectofcottonstalkbiocharcontentonthepropertiesofcottonstalkandresidualfilmcomposites
AT xufengwang effectofcottonstalkbiocharcontentonthepropertiesofcottonstalkandresidualfilmcomposites
AT xiaoqinglian effectofcottonstalkbiocharcontentonthepropertiesofcottonstalkandresidualfilmcomposites