Compatibilization of kraft lignin-polyethylene composites using unreactive compatibilizers

Chemical and Physical Modification of Lignin for Green Polymeric Composite Materials

Lignin, a valuable polymer of natural origin, displays numerous desired intrinsic properties; however, modification processes leading to the value-added products suitable for composite materials' applications are in demand. Chemical modification routes involve mostly reactions with hydroxyl groups present in the structure of lignin, but other paths, such as copolymerization or grafting, are also utilized. On the other hand, physical techniques, such as irradiation, freeze-drying, and sorption, to enhance the surface properties of lignin and the resulting composite materials, are developed. Various kinds of chemically or physically modified lignin are discussed in this review and their effects on the properties of polymeric (bio)materials are presented. Lignin-induced enhancements in green polymer composites, such as better dimensional stability, improved hydrophobicity, and improved mechanical properties, along with biocompatibility and non-cytotoxicity, have been presented. This review addresses the challenges connected with the efficient modification of lignin, which depends on polymer origin and the modification conditions. Finally, future outlooks on modified lignins as useful materials on their own and as prospective biofillers for environmentally friendly polymeric materials are presented.

Valorization of Kraft Lignin from Black Liquor in the Production of Composite Materials with Poly(caprolactone) and Natural Stone Groundwood Fibers

The development of new materials is currently focused on replacing fossil-based plastics with sustainable materials. Obtaining new bioplastics that are biodegradable and of the greenest possible origin could be a great alternative for the future. However, there are some limitations-such as price, physical properties, and mechanical properties-of these bioplastics. In this sense, the present work aims to explore the potential of lignin present in black liquor from paper pulp production as the main component of a new plastic matrix. For this purpose, we have studied the simple recovery of this lignin using acid precipitation, its thermoplastification with glycerin as a plasticizing agent, the production of blends with poly(caprolactone) (PCL), and finally the development of biocomposite materials reinforcing the blend of thermoplastic lignin and PCL with stone groundwood fibers (SGW). The results obtained show that thermoplastic lignin alone cannot be used as a bioplastic. However, its combination with PCL provided a tensile strength of, e.g., 5.24 MPa in the case of a 50 wt.% blend. In addition, when studying the properties of the composite materials, it was found that the tensile strength of a blend with 20 wt.% PCL increased from 1.7 to 11.2 MPa with 40 wt.% SGW. Finally, it was proven that through these biocomposites it is possible to obtain a correct fiber-blend interface.

Characteristics and performance studies of a composite polymer electrolyte membrane based on chitosan/glycerol-sulfosuccinic acid modified montmorillonite clay

In this study, chitosan (CS) doped sulphosuccinic acid (SSA)-glycerol (Gly) and modified montmorillonite clay (MMT) were successfully fabricated. The membranes were prepared using the solution casting method. Analysis of morphology and topography using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the composite membrane with 3 wt% MMT filler, namely CS/MMT-1, possessed the most adequate surface roughness compared to the other fabricated membranes. Furthermore, mechanical characterization of the CS/MMT-1 composite membrane showed that the membrane achieved satisfactory mechanical strength with a value of 39.23 MPa. Proton conductivity of the composite membranes increased as the temperature was increased. The proton conductivity of the CS/MMT-1 composite membrane increased from 1.75 × 10-2 S cm-1 at 25 °C up to 3.57 × 10-2 S cm-1 at 80 °C. The CS/MMT-1 composite membrane also exhibited a methanol permeability value that was significantly lower than that of pristine CS, namely 1.22 × 10-7 cm2 s-1 and 12.49 × 10-7 cm2 s-1, respectively. The results of this study show that the fabricated composite membrane can be used as an alternative polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for DMFC applications.

Recycled HDPE/Natural Fiber Composites Modified with Waste Tire Rubber: A Comparison between Injection and Compression Molding

With the objective of turning wastes into added-value materials, sustainable and fully recycled wood-plastic composites were reinforced by waste tire rubber particles to show balanced properties and potentially low-cost materials. Recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) was compounded (melt extrusion) with flax fiber (FF) and waste regenerated tire rubber (RR) to investigate the effect of mixing ratio, coupling agent (maleated polyethylene, MAPE) and molding process (injection and compression molding) on the properties of hybrid composites. In particular, a complete set of characterization was performed including thermal stability, phase morphology and mechanical properties in terms of tension, flexion and impact, as well as hardness and density. Adding 40 wt.% of flax fibers (FF) increased the tensile (17%) and flexural (15%) modulus of rHDPE, while the impact strength decreased by 58%. Substitution of FF by waste rubber particles improved by 75% the impact strength due to the elasticity and energy absorption of the rubber phase. The effects of impact modification were more pronounced for rHDPE/(FF/RR) compatibilized with MAPE (10 wt.%) due to highly improved interfacial adhesion and compatibility. The results also suggest that, for a fixed hybrid composition (FF/RR, 25/55 wt.%), the injection molded composites have a more homogenous morphology with a uniform distribution of well embedded reinforcements in the matrix. This better morphology produced higher tensile strain at break (12%) and impact strength (9%) compared to compression molded samples.

The Role of Inorganic-Organic Bio-Fillers Containing Kraft Lignin in Improvement in Functional Properties of Polyethylene

In this study, MgO-lignin (MgO-L) dual phase fillers with varying amounts of lignin as well as pristine lignin and magnesium oxide were used as effective bio-fillers to increase the ultraviolet light protection and enhance the barrier performance of low density polyethylene (LDPE) thin sheet films. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to check the crystalline structure of the studied samples, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied to determine morphological characteristics. The results of optical spectrometry in the range of UV light indicated that LDPE/MgO-L (1:5 wt/wt) composition exhibited the best protection factor, whereas LDPE did not absorb ultraviolet waves. Moreover, the addition of hybrid filler decreased the oxygen permeability factor and water vapor transmission compared with neat LDPE and its composites with pristine additives, such as lignin and magnesium oxide. The strong influence of the microstructure on thin sheet films was observed in the DSC results, as double melting peaks were detected only for LDPE compounded with inorganic-organic bio-fillers: LDPE/MgO-L.

Recent developments towards performance-enhancing lignin-based polymers

This review examines recent strategies, challenges, and future opportunities in preparing high-performance polymeric materials from lignin and its derivable compounds.

Neodymium catalysts for polymerization of dienes, vinyl monomers, and ε-caprolactone

This review discusses various neodymium catalysts for stereospecific polymerization of dienes, vinyl monomers, and ε-caprolactone.

Polypropylene/lignin blend monoliths used as sorbent in oil spill cleanup

With increasing industrial development, frequent oil spillages in water; therefore, it is imperative and challenging to develop absorbents materials that are eco-efficiency, cost-effective, and pollution prevention. In this study, sorbents obtained from Lignin incorporated with Polypropylene in different levels loading 0, 10, 20 % wt using thermally induced phase separation Technique (TIPS). The Polypropylene/Lignin blend monoliths were fabricated and compared in terms of morphological, thermal, and wetting characterizations. The successfully blending of different lignin concentrations with preserved the chemical structure of the polymer was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Thermogravimetric tests displayed that the existence of Lignin has changed the onset temperature (Tonset) of the blending sorbents, decreasing as the loading of Lignin is increased. The contact angle measurement showed a decrease in the hydrophobicity of sorbents with increasing lignin loading, Polypropylene/Lignin blend monoliths showed better absorption toward oils (soybean - engine) as compared to Polypropylene itself. PP10L showed an improvement in the oil sorption capacity around 2 times compared to the Polypropylene. These excellent features make Polypropylene/Lignin blend monoliths more competitive promising candidates than commercial absorbent.

Novel quat/di-N-halamines silane unit with enhanced synergism polymerized on cellulose for development of superior biocidability

A silane unit with enhanced synergism that is realized using one cationic quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) to draw anionic bacteria to two N-halamine functionalities was designed and polymerized on cellulose for superior biocidability. A monomer containing one tertiary amine, one amide N-H, and one imide N-H, was synthesized via alcoholysis of 3-triethoxysilylpropyl succinic anhydride with 2-(dimethylamino)ethan-1-ol and following esterification with 5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)hydantoin. The triethoxysilyl groups of the monomer were hydrolyzed to silanol groups to condense with counterparts in different hydrolyzates and with hydroxyl groups on cellulose to form a polymeric modifier. Each silane unit of the modifier has one QAS and two N-halamine functionalities (quat/di-N-halamines) after quaternization of the tertiary amine and chlorination of the amide and imide hydrogens. The resultant cellulose suppressed (7 logs) both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli within 3 min, demonstrating an enhanced synergism since the inactivation rate is faster than counterparts decorated with only N-halamine and with synergistic units of one cationic center and one N-halamine. The modifier exhibited promising stability and rechargeability toward washings, UV irradiation, and long-term storage. The proved enhanced synergism from the integration of one cationic center with multiple N-halamines directs the synthesis of more powerful biocides for developing antibacterial polymers.

Bio-elastomer nanocomposites reinforced with surface-modified graphene oxide prepared via in situ coordination polymerization

This article proposes a method to produce bio-elastomer nanocomposites, based on polyfarnesene or polymyrcene, reinforced with surface-modified graphene oxide (GO). The surface modification is performed by grafting alkylamines (octyl-, dodecyl-, and hexadecylamine) onto the surface of GO. The successful grafting was confirmed via spectroscopic (FTIR and Raman) and X-ray diffraction techniques. The estimated grafted amines appear to be around 30 wt%, as calculated via thermogravimetric analysis, increasing the inter-planar spacing among the nanosheets as a function of alkyl length in the amine. The resulting modified GOs were then used to prepare bio-elastomer nanocomposites via in situ coordination polymerization (using a ternary neodymium-based catalytic system), acting as reinforcing additives of polymyrcene and polyfarnesene. We demonstrated that the presence of the modified GO does not affect significantly the catalytic activity, nor the microstructure-control of the catalyst, which led to high cis-1,4 content bio-elastomers (>95%). Moreover, we show via rheometry that the presence of the modified-GO expands the capacity of the elastomer to store deformation or applied stress, as well as exhibit an activation energy an order of magnitude higher.

This article proposes a method to produce bio-elastomer nanocomposites, based on polyfarnesene or polymyrcene, reinforced with surface-modified graphene oxide (GO).

Enhancing overall properties of epoxy-based composites using polydopamine-coated edge-carboxylated graphene prepared via one-step high-pressure ball milling

Graphene (GN) nanofillers have been widely used to enhance the overall performance of polymer composites due to their various superior properties, which strongly rely on the uniform dispersion and strong interfacial bonding of GN with high-quality polymer matrices. In the present study, the strengthening and functional effects of polydopamine-coated edge-carboxylated graphene (p-ECG) on the mechanical, moisture-barrier and electromagnetic properties of epoxy (EP)-based composites were systematically evaluated. p-ECG was successfully prepared via one-step high-pressure ball milling through the edge-selective functionalization and exfoliation of pristine graphite in the presence of dry ice, followed by synchronous reduction and coating via the mild oxidative polymerization of mussel-inspired dopamine. p-ECG showed prominent advantages of a small sheet size, excellent dispersibility and high chemical reactivity in the EP matrix. Obvious enhancements were achieved in the tensile and flexural properties and moisture-barrier performance of EP composites as well as the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and transverse fiber bundle tensile (TFBT) strength of carbon fiber (CF)/EP composites, which confirmed the excellent dispersion and chemically strengthened interfacial bonding of p-ECG in the EP matrix. More importantly, p-ECG introduced onto the surface of desized CF led to significant enhancement in the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding capability of CF/EP composites, which was primarily ascribed to the polarization relaxation effect induced by the defects and functional groups in p-ECG as well as the increase in electrical conductivity derived from the "bridging effect" of p-ECG. Specifically, with p-ECG content of 0.5 wt%, the increments in tensile strength, TFBT strength, shielding effectiveness (total, SET) and shielding effectiveness (reflection loss, SER) were as high as 33.3, 34.3, 31.3 and 71.0%, respectively.

Halide-free neodymium phosphate based catalyst for highly cis-1,4 selective polymerization of dienes

Neodymium-based Ziegler–Natta type catalytic systems are known to produce polydienes with high cis-1,4 content. It is generally believed that in Ziegler–Natta catalytic systems, a halide or pseudohalide, whether in the catalyst itself or a separate source, is required for the success of the polymerization. In this work, we have synthesized an unusual halide-free neodymium diethyl phosphate catalyst for diene polymerization. This neodymium complex combined with triisobutylaluminum (TIBA), formed a binary catalytic system and was used to polymerize β-myrcene. The catalytic system displays high stereospecificity and produces poly(β-myrcene) with 96% cis-1,4 content and a relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n = 1.80). Also, kinetic studies indicated the catalytic system gives a pseudo-living polymerization. The block copolymer poly(β-myrcene)-b-poly(isoprene) was successfully synthesized by sequential monomer addition, further demonstrating the pseudo-living nature of polymerization with the neodymium diethyl phosphate catalyst.

[Nd(μ-DEP)₃]_x/TIBA stereospecifically polymerizes myrcene in a pseudo-living Ziegler–Natta like catalytic system despite the absence of a halide.

Polybenzimidazole/Mxene composite membranes for intermediate temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

This report demonstrated the first study on the use of a new 2D nanomaterial (Mxene) for enhancing membrane performance of intermediate temperature (>100 °C) polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (ITPEMFCs). In this study, a typical Ti₃C₂T _x -MXene was synthesized and incorporated into polybenzimidazole (PBI)-based membranes by using a solution blending method. The composite membrane with 3 wt% Ti₃C₂T _x -MXene showed the proton conductivity more than 2 times higher than that of pristine PBI membrane at the temperature range of 100 °C-170 °C, and led to substantial increase in maximum power density of fuel cells by ∼30% tested at 150 °C. The addition of Ti₃C₂T _x -MXene also improved the mechanical properties and thermal stability of PBI membranes. At 3 wt% Ti₃C₂T _x -MXene, the elongation at break of phosphoric acid doped PBI remained unaffected at 150 °C, and the tensile strength and Young's modulus was increased by ∼150% and ∼160%, respectively. This study pointed out promising application of MXene in ITPEMFCs.

Dopamine@Nanodiamond as novel reinforcing nanofillers for polyimide with enhanced thermal, mechanical and wear resistance performance

In this study, to achieve a homogeneous dispersion of nanodiamond (ND) in a polyimide (PI) matrix and a strong interfacial adhesion between ND and the PI matrix, a biomimetic nondestructive dopamine chemistry was employed for surface modification of ND. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy studies revealed that self-polymerization of dopamine could produce thinner polydopamine (PDA) layers on the ND surface via spontaneous oxidation and the intermolecular cross-linking reaction of PDA molecules. The structure and morphology of PDA-ND were studied by FTIR, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy, which verified the π-π interactions between PDA and ND. The facile dispersion of PDA-ND in a polyamic acid prepolymer made it possible to obtain PI/ND composites with no obvious ND aggregation. The effect of PDA-ND nanoparticles on the thermal, mechanical and tribological properties of the resulting PI/PDA-ND composites were evaluated, and the results showed that the incorporation of PDA-ND could increase the hardness, tensile strength, storage modulus, as well as the wear resistance properties. PI/PDA-ND composites prepared in this study showed that PDA-ND is a promising nanoreinforcing filler for PI composites.

Synthesis of high cis-1,4 polybutadiene with narrow molecular weight distribution via a neodymium-based binary catalyst

Complex Nd(CF₃SO₃)₃*3TOP with good solubility was synthesized to prepare polybutadiene with high cis-1,4-unit content and narrow molecular weight distribution.

Preparation and application of flavor and fragrance capsules

The preparation methods and applications of flavor and fragrance capsules based on polymeric, inorganic and polymeric–inorganic wall materials are summarized.

Surface modification effects on the tensile properties of functionalised graphene oxide epoxy films

Graphene oxide (GO) is a candidate for nanofillers to improve the mechanical and thermal stability of nanocomposites. In order to determine the molecular interaction to improve the mechanical properties of GO–epoxy resin composites, we investigated the relationship between GO oxidation properties and the tensile strength of the epoxy resin. With respect to GO preparation, graphite was oxidised by the Brodie or Hummers method, and the oxidised GO was reduced or chloride substituted. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectral patterns indicate that a shorter Brodie oxidation method GO (B-GO) is associated with a higher proportion of hydroxyl groups. The oxidised GO materials, with the exception of the sample produced by the 54 h Brodie oxidation method, improved the tensile strength of the composites while the epoxy resin with reduced or chlorinated GO did not increase the tensile strength of the film. Based on XPS and elemental analyses, the improvement in the tensile strength is due to the presence of O atom based functional groups, such as hydroxyl groups, on the GO surface. The interaction between the epoxy resin and O atom based functional groups on the GO contributes to improving the tensile strength of the composites.

In order to determine the molecular interaction to improve the mechanical properties of graphene oxide (GO)–epoxy resin composites, we investigated the relationship between GO oxidation properties and the tensile strength of the epoxy resin.

Neodymium Catalyst for the Polymerization of Dienes and Polar Vinyl Monomers

Ziegler-Natta catalysts have played a major role in industry for the polymerization of dienes and vinyl monomers. However, due to the deactivation of the catalyst, this system fails to polymerize polar vinyl monomers such as vinyl acetate, methyl methacrylate, and methyl acrylate. Herein, a catalytic system composed of NdCl₃ ⋅3TEP/TIBA is reported, which promotes a quasi-living polymerization of dienes and is also active for the homopolymerization of polar vinyl monomers. Additionally, this catalytic system generates polymyrcene-b-polyisoprene and poly(myrcene)-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) diblock copolymers by sequential monomer addition. To encourage the replacement of petroleum-based polymers by environmentally benign biobased polymers, polymerization of β-myrcene is demonstrated with a catalytic activity of ≈106 kg polymer mol Nd^-1 h^-1 .

Fluorinated glycidyl azide polymers as potential energetic binders

A novel fluorinated GAP energetic polymer was synthesized through copolymerization and azidation reaction.

Influence of Processing Conditions on the Thermal Stability and Mechanical Properties of PP/Silica-Lignin Composites

Functional silica-lignin dual fillers were obtained via mechanical grinding of the components (Syloid 244 silica and kraft lignin). Of particular importance here is the fact that lignin is a natural polymer and particularly that it is a waste by-product of paper production, whose recycling is highly desirable. The product underwent comprehensive dispersive-morphological and thermal analysis. SiO2-lignin hybrid fillers were also used in polypropylene-based composites, extruded via corotating a twin screw machine with different screw speeds. The thermogravimetric data obtained for the extrudates confirmed that the application of the lignin into PP produces a significant char residue. Addition of silica to lignin via this new hybrid formulation has a positive effect on the thermal stability of PP/silica-lignin composites, which can be seen even when observing the temperature for the maximum rate of weight reduction. Tensile test results show that the addition of silica by means of dual filler incorporation improves the mechanical parameters in comparison with pure PP and PP/lignin composite.

Energetic interpenetrating polymer network (EIPN): enhanced thermo-mechanical properties of NCO-fMWCNTs/HTPB PU and alkyne-fMWCNTs/acyl-GAP based nanocomposite and its propellants

Novel energetic interpenetrating polymer network (EIPN) nanocomposite comprised of fMWCNTs covalently attached to HTPB and GAP by facile in situ polymerization technique.

Alpha and beta diimine cobalt complexes in isoprene polymerization: a comparative study

Isoprene was polymerized by diimine cobalt catalyst in the presence of DEAC to produce cis-1,4 and 3,4 polyisoprene.

Energetic hybrid polymer network (EHPN) through facile sequential polyurethane curation based on the reactivity differences between glycidyl azide polymer and hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene

To improve the thermo-mechanical properties of glycidyl azide polymer and hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene based propellants, a facile sequential polymerization approach was used to prepare an energetic hybrid polymer network by stepwise curation.

The influence of polymer architecture on in vitro pDNA transfection

In the field of polymer-based gene delivery, the tuning potential of polymers by using different architectures like graft- and star-shaped polymers as well as self-assembled block copolymers is immense. In the last years numerous new polymer designs showed enhanced transfections properties in combination with a good biocompatibility.

Energetic interpenetrating polymer network based on orthogonal azido–alkyne click and polyurethane for potential solid propellant

High energetic propellants with synergistic mechanical strength are the prerequisites for aerospace industry and missile technology; though glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) is a renowned and a promising energetic polymer which shows poor mechanical and low-temperature properties.

Epoxy/graphene nanocomposites – processing and properties: a review

Graphene, a 2D fullerene, is a unique material because of its exceptional set of properties. This review has been focused on the processing methods and mechanical, electrical, thermal, and fire retardant properties of epoxy/graphene nanocomposites.

Polymerization mechanism of poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) fragrance nanocapsules

At 80 °C, the homopolymerization of the monomer contained in the oil phase caused the precipitation of the polymer on the surface of nanoemulsion drops under the protection of N₂ leading to the formation of nanocapsules.

An amphiphilic squarylium indocyanine dye for long-term tracking of lysosomes

A novel amphiphilic squarylium indocyanine (LysoCy) is reported for remarkable lysosome tracking in live cells.

Highly alkynyl-functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals and advanced nanocomposites thereof via click chemistry

Advanced nanocomposites were developed from alkynylated cellulose nanocrystals and the reactive polymer matrix via Huisgen click chemistry.