Thermoplastic and biodegradable sugarcane lignin-based biocomposites prepared via a wholly solvent-free method. (1st February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Tianshi; Zhang, Yinghao; Jin, Yifan; Bao, Lixia; Dong, Lulu; Zheng, Yuyang; Xia, Jun; Jiang, Ling; Kang, Yiyang; Wang, Jiliang
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 386(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-01
• Subjects: Sugarcane lignin -- Solvent-free method -- Thermoplasticization -- Biodegradation -- Reactive extrusion -- Biocomposites; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135834
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: It is still a huge challenge to obtain thermoplastic lignin-based biocomposites with reasonable thermoplasticity so long as the lignin ratio surpasses 50 wt% due to their theoretically higher thermoplasticization activation energies in comparison with the corresponding decomposition energies. Herein, we report a completely solvent-free method to prepare a series of sugarcane lignin-based biocomposites with exceptional thermoplasticity, reasonable mechanical property, acceptable hydrophobicity, and considerable biodegradability even though the lignin content exceeds 60 wt%. Thermoplasticization mechanism of related biocomposites was extensively studied. The prepared lignin-based biocomposites show the optimal tensile strength, Shore hardness, shape stability after soaking in water, thermoplasticization temperature, and on-set thermal decomposition temperature of about 14 MPa, 75 D, 99%, 110 °C, and 245 °C, respectively. The developed sugarcane lignin-based biocomposites show large potential applications in replacing some unsustainable and undegradable products for daily use such as polyethylene-based containers, packaging materials, decoration materials, and even furniture. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Thermoplastic sugarcane lignin are prepared via solvent-free method. Lignin-based biocomposite with the optimal tensile strength of 14 MPa is obtained. The modified lignins acted as plasticizers to facilitate thermoplasticization. The biocomposites are promising to replace many petroleum-based polymers.