Abstract
In this study, MgO-lignin (MgO-L) dual phase fillers with varying amounts of lignin as well as pristine lignin and magnesium oxide were used as effective bio-fillers to increase the ultraviolet light protection and enhance the barrier performance of low density polyethylene (LDPE) thin sheet films. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to check the crystalline structure of the studied samples, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to determine morphological characteristics. The results of optical spectrometry in the range of UV light indicated that LDPE/MgO-L (1:5 wt/wt) composition exhibited the best protection factor, whereas LDPE did not absorb ultraviolet waves. Moreover, the addition of hybrid filler decreased the oxygen permeability factor and water vapor transmission compared with neat LDPE and its composites with pristine additives, such as lignin and magnesium oxide. The strong influence of the microstructure on thin sheet films was observed in the DSC results, as double melting peaks were detected only for LDPE compounded with inorganic-organic bio-fillers: LDPE/MgO-L.
Highlights
Material science, which covers polymer materials, is searching for benefits associated with the wide application of bio-additives in traditional thermoplastics
The authors confirmed their theoretical considerations based on the morphology investigation, which brought evidence that lignin was perfectly bonded to the matrix
By the incorporation of low molecular weight proadhesive agent malleated polyethylene (MAPE) into a nonpolar (LDPE)–polar system, the interface tension was reduced and some molecular rearrangement that under controlled cooling conditions in the Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) chamber, without stretching, the tested fillers had a negligible influence on the crystallization process and crystallinity (Figure 3a)
Summary
Material science, which covers polymer materials, is searching for benefits associated with the wide application of bio-additives in traditional thermoplastics. Numerous considered applications of bio-additives are focused on the modification of polymers used for packaging [1,2,3]. This narrow declaration is connected with the processing window, which is above 200 ◦ C for engineering polymers and limits the use of bio-based cellulose-like particles. Used and commercially available high-volume polymer matrices include, e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), poly(lactide) (PLA), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), etc., whereas biopolymers processed using a low temperature regime that are ready to use as bio-additives mainly include cellulose and lignocellulose [4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11]. Due to the highly hydrophilic nature of lignin and other lignocellulosic fillers, they should undergo modification or plasticization to improve their dispersion in polymeric materials, or a compatibilizer should be added to increase interfacial adhesion between the components
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
