Insights into the multifunctional features provided by biochar in polymer systems

This chapter reviews the current state of the art referring to the preparation and characterization of polymer composites containing different types of biochars derived from various raw materials. Biochar is a carbonaceous and renewable material derived from the thermochemical conversion of biomasses and/or post-consumer agricultural wastes in an oxygen-limited environment, well-fitting in the current circular economy concept. Some potential applications of the designed composite systems are discussed, highlighting the challenges and possible future developments. The use of biochar as carbon material with low environmental impact has been consolidated in several fields, from agriculture to water treatment. Nevertheless, the low economic value of alternative materials used for the same purposes slowed down biochar production worldwide. Accordingly, the use of biochar for high value applications has become a key and strategic point for the development of a biochar economic system. Among all the possible uses, incorporation of biochar into polymer systems is one of the most appealing solutions to boost this filler use in the effective way. Biochar-based composites have shown a remarkable set of interesting features including enhanced mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. In this chapter, the overview on recent advances in polymers reinforced with biochar, focusing on the resulting structure-property relationships were performed thoroughly.