Abstract

Partially acetylated softwood kraft lignin (ASKL) is used as filler in synthetic polymers such as LDPE, PP, PS and PET. ASKL/synthetic polymer composites are prepared by melt-blending and compression molding with ASKL content up to 50.0 wt%. The chemical and physical properties of ASKL/synthetic polymer composites are also investigated. TGA results show that ASKL is more thermally stable than SKL up to 200 °C. FTIR spectra demonstrate a formation of free volume by crystallization of LDPE in ASKL/LDPE composite. DSC results show that the glass transition temperature of ASKL decreased by acetylation, and ASKL/synthetic polymer composites (50/50 w/w) have a single glass transition. The AFM images of ASKL/synthetic polymer composites show no significant phase separation. Young’s moduli of ASKL/synthetic polymer composites increased with ASKL content in some extents. Tensile strength and breaking strain of ASKL/PET composite are almost retained in spite of the addition of ASKL as a result of a contraction in free volume or densification.

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