Lignin Particle Size Affects PLA Composites
Author Information
Author(s): Makri Sofia P., Xanthopoulou Eleftheria, Klonos Panagiotis A., Grigoropoulos Alexios, Kyritsis Apostolos, Deligkiozi Ioanna, Zoikis-Karathanasis Alexandros, Nikolaidis Nikolaos, Bikiaris Dimitrios, Terzopoulou Zoi
Primary Institution: Laboratory of Polymer and Colors Chemistry and Technology, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Hypothesis
The size of lignin particles influences the properties of PLA composites prepared via in situ ring-opening polymerization.
Conclusion
Smaller lignin particles significantly enhance the mechanical and antioxidant properties of PLA composites.
Supporting Evidence
- PLA composites with 1 wt% lignin showed a two-fold increase in tensile strength.
- Antioxidant activity improved significantly with PLA–2.5% (US)oL reducing DPPH• content to 7% after 8 hours.
- Smaller lignin particles led to better dispersion and stronger interfacial interactions in the PLA matrix.
Takeaway
This study shows that making lignin particles smaller helps make stronger and better PLA materials that can fight off bad stuff and block UV light.
Methodology
PLA composites were synthesized using in situ ring-opening polymerization with organosolv lignin as a filler at varying concentrations.
Limitations
The study did not explore the long-term stability of the composites or their performance in real-world applications.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p ≤ 0.0001
Statistical Significance
p ≤ 0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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