Lignin is a natural polymer and one of the most abundant materials on earth. Despite this fact, lignin is often viewed as a by-product in chemical pulp processing and the use of lignin as a sustainable material is low. However, research and public awareness of sustainability have opened up new possibilities for using lignin as a material.
In this study, Kraft softwood lignin was reacted with acetic and propionic anhydride to synthesize esterified lignin. Reactions were performed at 80 ˚C. The product was analyzed using IR, DSC and processability parameters, such as melt viscosity. The product was then blended with LDPE and extruded into composite films. The films were analyzed using FTIR and TGA, and the mechanical properties were determined by tensile tests. Preliminary results are positive and further studies are planned to confirm the results and establish the range of properties attainable.
Keywords: Modified lignin, LDPE, WPC, compatibility
Authors
Olsson S.
SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, SP Trätek/EcoBuild, Stockholm, Sweden
Östmark E.
SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, SP Trätek/EcoBuild, Stockholm, Sweden
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, div. of Fibre and Polymer Technology
Ibach R.E.
USDA FS Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, USA
Clemons C.M.
USDA FS Forest Products Laboratory, One Gifford Pinchot Drive, Madison, USA
Segerholm K.B.
SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, SP Trätek/EcoBuild, Stockholm, Sweden
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, div. of Building Materials
Englund F.
SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, SP Trätek/EcoBuild, Stockholm, Sweden
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