Lignin as additive in polypropylene/coir composites: Thermal, mechanical and morphological properties

Published Date
1 March 2012, Vol.87(4):2563–2568, doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2011.11.041

Author 

Andréia A. Morandim-Giannetti ^a

José Augusto M. Agnelli ^b

Bruno Z. Lanças ^a

Rodrigo Magnabosco ^c

Suzan A. Casarin ^b

Sílvia H.P. Bettini ^b,,

• aDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Centro Universitário da FEI, Av. Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco, 3972. São Bernardo do Campo, CEP: 09850-901 São Paulo, Brazil
• bDepartment of Materials Engineering, Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Rod. Washington Luiz, km 235, São Carlos CEP: 13565-905, São Paulo, Brazil
• cDepartament of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Centro Universitário da FEI, Av. Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco, 3972. São Bernardo do Campo, CEP: 09850-901 São Paulo, Brazil

Received 8 October 2011. Revised 8 November 2011. Accepted 9 November 2011. Available online 22 November 2011.

Abstract

PP/CF composites were prepared and the effect of lignin incorporation in the presence and absence of compatibilizer (maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, PP-g-MA) was investigated by means of mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. Lignin added to the composite was obtained by the Acetosolv process. The composites were prepared in a Haake torque rheometer and assessed by means of tensile testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that in the absence of PP-g-MA, incorporation of lignin did not affect tensile strength and in its presence this property was reduced. Thermal analysis revealed that incorporation of lignin in the composites resulted in increase in both the initial thermal decomposition temperatures and oxidation induction times.

Highlights

► Lignin as additive tends to coat fibers and protect against thermal degradation. ► Lignin can be used as primary antioxidant in PP/coir composites. ► Studies on the action of natural fiber constituents allow insight into NFRC behavior. ► Studies on possible uses of lignin may be important for the paper industry.

Keywords

• Composites
• Coir fiber
• Polypropylene
• Lignin
• Thermal stability

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