Synthesis and Characterization of a Lignin-Styrene-Butyl Acrylate Based Composite

Abstract

In recent years, the pursuit of new polymer materials based on renewable raw materials has been intensified with the aim of reusing waste materials in sustainable processes. The synthesis of a lignin, styrene, and butyl acrylate based composite was carried out by a mass polymerization process. A series of four composites were prepared by varying the amount of lignin in 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.% keeping the content of butyl acrylate constant (14 wt.%). FTIR and SEM revealed that the –OH functional groups of lignin reacted with styrene, which was observed by the incorporation of lignin in the copolymer. Additionally, DSC analysis showed that the increment in lignin loading in the composite had a positive influence on thermal stability. Likewise, Shore D hardness assays exhibited an increase from 25 to 69 when 5 and 20 wt.% lignin was used respectively. In this same sense, the contact angle (water) measurement showed that the LEBA15 and LEBA20 composites presented hydrophobic properties (whit contact angle above 90°) despite having the highest amount of lignin, demonstrating that the interaction of the polymer chains with the –OH groups of lignin was the main mechanism in the composites interaction.

Fabrication of Bio-Based Flexible Polyurethane Foam with Biodegradation by Etherification of Kraft Lignin

“…Lignin, a byproduct of the papermaking industry, is a sustainable alternative. It is the second most abundant renewable aromatic polymer on Earth, with a global annual production exceeding 50 million tons. , Yet, only less than 2% is utilized for commercial purposes, while the remainder serves as fuel . Lignin’s complex structure, replete with aliphatic and phenolic hydroxyl groups, shows promise for composite synthesis.…”