Investigation on two modification strategies for the reinforcement of biodegradable lignin/poly(lactic acid) blends. Issue 44 (1st May 2020) - Ge, Xin
Abstract: In this work, biodegradable lignin/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blends were prepared with melting compounding method. Dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and maleic anhydride (MA)/biphenyl peroxide (BPO) were used for the modification of the polymer blends, respectively. Structure of the polymer blends was characterized with Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties of the samples were determined with universal test machine and dynamic mechanical analysis. Thermal behaviors and thermal stability of the blends were all characterized with a thermal gravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry simultaneous thermal analyzer. Lignin reinforced the mechanical strength of the blends while the thermal stability was not improved. At low content, DCP and MA/BPO apparently enhanced the mechanical strength of lignin/PLA blends. However, excessive DCP led to decreased tensile strength and elongation at break. Both DCP and MA/BPO resulted in lower glass transition temperature and melting temperature of PLA in the blends, while the thermal stability of the polymer blends was poorer after modification. Abstract :