Abstract
Lignin macromolecules are potential precursor materials for producing electrospun nanofibers for composite applications. However, little is known about the effect of lignin type and blend ratios with synthetic polymers. This study analyzed blends of poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) (PAN-MA) with two types of commercially available lignin, low sulfonate (LSL) and alkali, kraft lignin (AL), in DMF solvent. The electrospinning and polymer blend solution conditions were optimized to produce thermally stable, smooth lignin-based nanofibers with total polymer content of up to 20 wt % in solution and a 50/50 blend weight ratio. Microscopy studies revealed that AL blends possess good solubility, miscibility, and dispersibility compared to LSL blends. Despite the lignin content or type, rheological studies demonstrated that PAN-MA concentration in solution dictated the blend’s viscosity. Smooth electrospun nanofibers were fabricated using AL depending upon the total polymer content and blend ratio. AL’s addition to PAN-MA did not affect the glass transition or degradation temperatures of the nanofibers compared to neat PAN-MA. We confirmed the presence of each lignin type within PAN-MA nanofibers through infrared spectroscopy. PAN-MA/AL nanofibers possessed similar morphological and thermal properties as PAN-MA; thus, these lignin-based nanofibers can replace PAN in future applications, including production of carbon fibers and supercapacitors.
Highlights
Many of today’s leading industries—such as aerospace, automobile, military, and energy—are increasingly pursuing sustainable materials with enhanced properties, including low density, good thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and high stiffness and strength
The neat poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) (PAN-methyl acrylate (MA)) solvent cast film had a smooth surface without significant defects or roughness (Figure S1)
We demonstrated the successful production of electrospun nanofibers with the addition of alkali, Kraft lignin (AL) to PAN-MA at blend ratios of up to 50 wt % with a total polymer content up to 20 wt % in DMF solvent
Summary
Many of today’s leading industries—such as aerospace, automobile, military, and energy—are increasingly pursuing sustainable materials with enhanced properties, including low density, good thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and high stiffness and strength. These performance enhancements traditionally have been achieved by using composite materials, most notably carbon fiber composites, offering an alternative to denser and more expensive metallic and ceramic material [1,2]. Due to its low molecular weight, lignin usage is limited and is currently used only as an additive material or filler in synthetic polymers Despite this limitation, partially bio-based carbon nanofibers made from blends of lignin macromolecules and other polymers such as PAN are cost-effective and could be used as value-added products [11,12]. These enhanced properties could allow the fabrication and design of improved membranes, adsorbents, or electrical materials [14]
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