Effect of lignin on mechanical, biodegradability, morphology, and thermal properties of polypropylene/polylactic acid/lignin biocomposite

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe effects of lignin on mechanical, biodegradability, morphology, and thermal properties of PP/PLA/lignin were investigated. PP/PLA/lignin film were manufactured by adding PP, PLA, lignin and compatibilizer into rheomix at 200°C, at 70 rev min−1 for 30 minthen pressed using Hydraulic Hot Press at 200°C–210°C, at 6 bar for 20 min. The functional groups of PP/PLA/lignin were analyzed using FTIR. The surface morphology, mechanical properties and thermal stability was measured by SEM, tensile strenght and TGA respectively. TThe FTIR intensity of vibration peak of –CH3 cm-1 from PP/lignin and PP/PLA/lignin at 997–993, 1458–1451 and 2966–2904 cm-1 was lower than neat PP. The addition of lignin into PP/lignin, PLA/lignin and PP/PLA/lignin can reduce tensile strength and elongation at break. The thermal stability PP/PLA/lignin was lower than the PP/lignin but higher compared to PP/PLA biocomposites. The biodegradability of PP/PLA/lignin biocomposites was two times higher than that of PP/lignin.