Effect of lignin on morphology, biodegradability, mechanical and thermal properties of low linear density polyethylene/lignin biocomposites

Abstract

This research is purposed to study effects of lignin compositions on morphology, biodegradability, mechanical and thermal properties of low linear density polyethylene (LLDPE)/Lignin biocomposites. LLDPE/Lignin biocomposites has been manufactured by adding LLDPE, lignin and compatibilizer into rheomix at 200°C with a stirring speed of 70 rpm for 30 min. The composition of lignin added was 5, 10, 15, and 20 phr with compatibilizer 5 phr. LLDPE/lignin films has been made by using hydraulic hot press at 200-210°C with pressure of 6 bar for 20 min. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrum analysis was conducted to determine the functional groups of LLDPE/Lignin biocomposites. The surface morphology was observed by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The mechanical properties was measured as a tensile strength and thermal stability was measured by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). In addition, biodegradation test was also conducted to determine the level of biodegradability. TGA results indicated that at 456°C LLDPE and lignin had similar thermal stability and the addition of lignin into LLDPE/lignin bicomposites can reduce the thermal stability up to temperature of 450-460°C. However, the thermal stability is increased at temperature over 460°C. The tensile strength and elongation at break of all LLDPE/Lignin biocomposites at various compositions is lower compared to those of LLDPE. The more lignin were added into LLDPE/Lignin biocomposites, the more the materials were biodegraded.