Tensile Effects of Nanolignin in Nanocellulose-Reinforced Poly(butylene succinate) Polymeric Composites

Abstract

Lignin and cellulose are two widely available biomasses with potential uses in polymeric composites. Nanocellulose has been used as a structural reinforcement in polymer composites, however it also causes a decrease in ductility, causing the material to become more brittle. This study was aimed at utilizing lignin nanoparticles sourced from the prolific waste biomass to restore ductility to nanocellulose-reinforced poly(butylene succinate) via the reported concept of sacrificial bonding. Tensile tests were conducted on two groups of composite samples. One group contained 5% nanocellulose by weight and the other group did not contain any nanocellulose. Both groups had samples containing 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20% lignin. The results of these tests did not support nanolignin as an agent to restore ductility. This was likely due to insufficient chemical compatibility between lignin and poly(butylene succinate) to allow formation of sacrificial (hydrogen) bonds. However, the experimental evidence supports the use of lignin as a supplementary structural reinforcing agent in nanocellulose reinforced poly(butylene succinate). The addition of nanolignin was observed to further increase the tensile modulus of the nanocellulose composites without further sacrificing its strength.