Abstract
In this paper, amorphous silica Syloid 244 and kraft lignin were mechanically coupled. Four hybrid materials containing silica and lignin in ratios 1:1, 2:1, 5:1 and 20:1 were prepared. As reference samples for hybrid fillers pristine silica and lignin were used. Particle size determination and microscopic observations were applied to determine dispersive and morphological properties of hybrid fillers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the effective preparation of silica/lignin hybrid materials. The parameters of porous structure of examined hybrid filler were determined using the multipoint Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda algorithm. Composite samples of polylactide (PLA) containing 2.5 % (w/w) of hybrid filler were extruded. Optical microscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry were applied to specify the supermolecular structure of functional PLA/hybrid composites and analyze the crystallization parameters as well as the phase transformation in PLA matrix. Silica/lignin hybrid material was found to be a filler capable of an effective crystal nucleation. The nucleating ability of silica/lignin hybrid filler in PLA matrix is related to porous properties of filler and its composition.
Highlights
The production of polymers highly depends on refinery industry
Wide-angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry were applied to specify the supermolecular structure of functional PLA/hybrid composites and analyze the crystallization parameters as well as the phase transformation in PLA matrix
The nucleating ability of silica/lignin hybrid filler in PLA matrix is related to porous properties of filler and its composition
Summary
The production of polymers highly depends on refinery industry. Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable engineering polymer with high mechanical strength and quite easy processability that makes it the most widely used bio-based thermoplastic polymer. It is used for packaging or medical applications (in form of films or fibers) because of the fact that when exposed to high temperatures and high rates of humidity it relatively fast undergoes process of biodegradation [2]. The main concern regarding PLA is its low crystallization ability and degree as well as low heat resistance (deflection temperature 50–65 °C), significantly limiting its industrial applications, like automotive and electronics
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