General background:
Biocarbon, also commonly known as Biochar, is a high-carbon, fine-grained solid that is produced through pyrolysis processes and currently mainly used for energy. Recently biocarbon has also gained attention for its potential value in industrial applications such as composites. Addition of biocarbon in the polymer is likely to increase the mechanical properties and decrease hydrophilic nature of a polymer. Using biocarbon in polymer composites is also interesting because of its relatively low specific weight that will result to lighter composite materials.
In this project the SME Rodenburg Biopolymers, Charcotec, and Nettenergy will collaborate with Avans/CoE BBE in a study on preparation and characterization of biocarbon/biopolymer biocomposite.
Goal of internship:
Preparation and characterization of biocarbon/biopolymer composites.
Activities:
The Project involves:
1. Biocarbon modification
2. Preparation of biocarbon/biopolymer composites.
3. Investigate the effect of biocarbon modification on the mechanical properties of the composites (tensile, flexural, impact tests);
4. Investigate the effect of biocarbon modification on the morphology (SEM) and the hydrophilic nature of the composites (contact angle measurements).
5. Investigate the effect of biocarbon modification on the thermal properties of the composites (TGA, DSC)
Starting date
September 2022. The length of the assignment is 5 months. The student who will execute the assignment gets a fee of €350,- per month.
The intern will be part of a research team led by the adviser and supervised by Qian Zhou, Dennis Molendijk. The working language can be Dutch and English.
Desirable skills/qualities of the student
The student should be able to carry out independent laboratory research. The interest in biocomposite is a pre.
More information and apply: