A well-defined lignin-based filler for tuning the mechanical properties of polymethyl methacrylate. Issue 6 (23rd February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cao, Qingwen; Wu, Qiong; Dai, Lin; Shen, Xiaojun; Si, Chuanling
• Is Part Of: Green chemistry. Volume 23:Issue 6(2021)
• Page Start: 2329
• Page End: 2335
• Publication Date: 2021-02-23
• Subjects: Environmental chemistry -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; 660
• DOI: 10.1039/d1gc00249j
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1463-9262

Abstract

Abstract : Well-defined lignin fillers were synthesized by using a universal approach, that the combination of chemical modification with lignin fractionation. This study paves the way towards lignin high-value utilization on a broader scale. Abstract : A green, low-cost, and high-performance filler is a key factor in the development of the polymer industry. Although lignin is an abundant and sustainable biopolymer in nature with great potential as a filler, its applications are commonly limited by its heterogeneity. Here, a series of well-defined lignin-based fillers (lignin- graft -polymethyl methacrylate, L-g -PMMA) were synthesized by using a universal approach of the combination of chemical modification with lignin fractionation. The structural analysis of lignin fractions and tensile tests reveal that the strength and toughness of the lignin-filled polymer blends (PMMA/ L-g -PMMA) can be well tuned by the molecular weights, kinds and contents of S/G units and flexible/rigid linkages in lignin macromolecules. This study not only provides a simple and effective strategy to overcome the heterogeneity of lignin but also paves the way towards high-value utilization of lignin on a broader scale.