Cellulolytic Enzyme Lignin Efficiently Blended with Polycaprolactone: Thermal, Mechanical Properties and Morphological Evaluation

Abstract

In this study, cellulolytic enzyme lignin (CEL) was blended with polycaprolactone (PCL) by twin-screw extrusion and injection molding. The thermal, mechanical properties and the morphology of the PCL/CEL blends were investigated as a function of CEL content. The results showed that the CEL in the blends acting as nucleus accelerated the crystallization of PCL when CEL was not more than 10 wt%, but retarded PCL to crystallize with more CEL addition. Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) revealed that the thermal stability of the PCL/CEL blends was almost unaffected by increasing CEL content. Mechanical test showed that, although the elongation at break and the impact strength were decreased, the strength and the modulus of the PCL/CEL blends were significantly higher than those of the neat PCL. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations indicated that the CEL and the PCL were in good miscibility and there was a good adhesion at the interface of the CEL filler and the PCL matrix, suggesting that CEL could be potential filler used in PCL-based materials to reduce the cost of the friendly material, whereas increased its strength and modulus.