Thermoplastic–lignocellulose composites enhanced by chemically treated Alcell lignin as compatibilizer

Abstract

In this study, chemically treated Alcell lignin was used as a compatibilizer in the preparation of polypropylene–oil palm empty fruit bunch (PP-EFB) composites. Basically, this study was divided into two stages. In the first stage, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) were used to treat Alcell lignin in different ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) based on equivalent weight. Then, the treated lignin was used as a compatibilizer at different percentages (1%, 3% and 5%, based on the weight of EFB filler) in the preparation of lignocellulosic–thermoplastic composites. The size of the EFB filler used for this study was 53–180 µm and the ratio of PP to EFB filler was fixed at 40%:60% (based on weight). The results showed that the incorporation of GMA- and AGE-treated lignin had enhanced the mechanical properties and increased the hydrophobicity of lignocellulosic–thermoplastic composites. By comparison, those with the GMA-treated lignin exhibited better enhancement in mechanical properties as compared to those with AGE-treated lignin.