Abstract: A composite material composition includes a polymer matrix and biochar fibers disposed throughout the polymer matrix. The polymer matrix of the composite material composition may be a recycled material and the biochar fibers may made from a natural material.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of lignin includes dissolving black liquor in solvent to form a mixture having a pH greater than or equal to about 12 to less than or equal to about 14. The pH of the mixture is then adjusted to greater than or equal to about 3 to less than or equal to about 7. The mixture is liquefacted, which includes increasing a temperature of the mixture to a target temperature, maintaining the target temperature for a period of time, and cooling the mixture to room temperature. Following liquefaction, the mixture is filtered to separate soluble and insoluble fractions of the mixture. The soluble fraction includes a lignin product having a polydispersity greater than or equal to about 1.78 to less than or equal to about 2.56.

Abstract: A process of producing a composite having carbon nanotubes is described where the carbon nanotube formation process of producing carbon nanotubes includes controlled heating of plant fiber materials in an oxygen-limited atmosphere. The plant fiber materials may be heated either cyclically or by rapid heating to produce the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube formation process of producing carbon nanotubes includes controlled heating of plant fiber materials in an oxygen-limited atmosphere. The plant fiber materials may be heated either cyclically or by rapid heating to produce the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A process of producing a composite having carbon nanotubes is described where the carbon nanotube formation process of producing carbon nanotubes includes controlled heating of plant fiber materials in an oxygen-limited atmosphere. The plant fiber materials may be heated either cyclically or by rapid heating to produce the carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for forming carbon nanostructures from a polymer mixture. The methods include the steps of mixing the pre-formed polymer with a liquid to form a polymer mixture, freezing the polymer mixture at an effective freezing rate greater than or equal to 103 Kelvin per second to form a polymer cast within the frozen liquid, separating the polymer cast from the frozen liquid by sublimating the frozen liquid, and carbonizing the polymer cast to form a carbon nanostructure. Variations of these methods are included in the scope of the invention and produce materials with varying properties. Through control of the freezing process, the nanomorphology of the resultant structure may be modulated. Nanostructures formed according to these methods are also claimed.