Abstract
A polylactide (PLA)/switchgrass organosolv lignin graft copolymer was synthesized via ring-opening polymerization. The resulting copolymer was characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), differential scanning calorimetry, tensile testing, and hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Phenolic hydroxyl content, percent lignin retained, and ultraviolet (UV) light transmission were investigated by UV light spectroscopy. Hydrolytic degradation and water vapor transmission rates were also investigated.It was found that the addition of organosolv switchgrass lignin to the polymer slowed the rate of degradation and water vapor transmission rate of the copolymer compared to the PLA homopolymer at varying temperatures. UV light transmission was also reduced with the addition of lignin.
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