Preparation and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Mg(OH)₂/Lignin Hybrid Material and Its Use as a Functional Filler for Poly(Vinyl Chloride).

Łukasz Klapiszewski,Jolanta Tomaszewska,Teofil Jesionowski,Katarzyna Skórczewska

doi:10.3390/polym9070258

Abstract

A functional magnesium hydroxide/lignin hybrid system was prepared by grinding and mixing the pure precursors using a planetary ball mill. In addition, the thermal stability was assessed based on the total mass loss of the hybrid system within the temperature range of 30–1000 °C, which amounted to 38%. Moreover, the average particle size was at 4.9 μm as determined by the laser diffraction method. The effect of addition of the prepared and characterized Mg(OH)2/lignin hybrid filler at concentrations ranging from 2.5 wt % to 10 wt % on the processing as well as mechanical and thermal properties of composites on the matrix of the unplasticized PVC compound was also evaluated. The addition of a filler to the poly(vinyl chloride) matrix causes a significant improvement of its thermal stability, which is approximately three times higher compared to a polymer without a filler. Furthermore, the prepared composites are additionally characterized by advantageous mechanical properties, especially higher Young’s modulus. A 10% increase in the oxygen index of PVC composites upon addition of 10 wt % hybrid fillers has also been observed, which contributes to an extended range of their application under conditions that require notable fire resistance.

Highlights

Composite materials with the addition of functional fillers, including hybrid materials, are used in almost all areas of everyday life
The results showed that the stability of the prepared magnesium hydroxide/siloxane nanocomposite flame retardants was superior to Mg(OH)2 particles obtained by other methods, and the agglomeration was significantly reduced
In order to obtain an in-depth assessment of the physicochemical properties of the obtained hybrid and the precursors used for its fabrication, the characterization of porous structure

Summary

Introduction

Composite materials with the addition of functional fillers, including hybrid materials, are used in almost all areas of everyday life. They have well-defined, enhanced mechanical, thermal and physicochemical properties; low specific gravity; and considerable chemical resistance [1,2,3,4,5,6]. Magnesium hydroxide belongs to a group of unique inorganic compounds, which exhibit numerous advantageous properties and practical applications. It is distinguished primarily by its antibacterial activity, nontoxic nature and high thermal stability. An increase in Polymers 2017, 9, 258; doi:10.3390/polym9070258 www.mdpi.com/journal/polymers

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