Research on the antistatic performance of peanut shells @ glucose biochar/epoxy composites

In this work, the glucose nanocarbon spheres (GC) were in situ decorated on the surface of lamellar peanut shell biochar (PSAC) to construct the self-modified conductive function unit of biomass (PSAC@GC). The effects of PSAC@GC at different carbonization temperatures on the conductivity, the antistatic properties, and the thermal stability of epoxy composites were investigated. This unique structure not only improves the dispersion of GC nanospheres in the epoxy resin, but the larger carbon framework of PSAC also contributed to forming a continuous conductive network. Moreover, the well-dispersed GC nanospheres on PSAC facilitate the transfer of surface free electrons, effectively improving the electrical conductivity and ultimately strengthening the antistatic properties of the composites. The results show that when the carbonization temperature was 900 ℃, the conductivity of PSAC@GC with a mass ratio of 1:1 was 41.19 S/m, which represents an increase of 135% and 43% compared to PSAC and GC, respectively. When 5 wt.% PSAC@GC was added, it showed good dispersion in the epoxy resin, and the surface resistivity of the composites was reduced to 1.89 × 108 Ω. The work provides a new approach for the development of environmentally friendly and cost-effective novel antistatic carbon material.