Carbonized Lignin as Sustainable Filler in Biobased Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) Polymer for Injection Molding Applications

Abstract

Light weight and sustainability are the key drivers in the development of novel biobased thermoplastic compounds for automotive applications. This paper reports the engineering properties of thermoplastic compound consisting of a novel bioresourced carbon filler in combination with partially biobased poly­(trimethylene terephthalate). The bioresourced carbon filler, which was derived from lignin residue of cellulosic ethanol production, has a clear advantage in terms of density compared to glass fiber and other minerals, and shows potential for weight reduction with 7% lower density at 20% filler content. Polymer processing conditions were optimized in terms of thermomechanical properties, and use of a reactive chain extender additive was studied for improving the performance of the compound. At the optimized conditions, good dimensional stability, 89% increase in heat deflection temperature, 60% increase in flexural modulus, and 14% increase in flexural strength was attained in comparison to neat PTT polymer. Theoretical modeling based on a rule-of-mixture approach showed good agreement of the predicted and experimental modulus of the studied composites. When compared to existing mineral filled engineering polyester resin, many properties of the prepared compounds were on a comparable or favorable level, indicating good potential of the bioresourced carbon filler for light weighting and highly sustainable engineering applications.

Sustainable biocarbon as an alternative of traditional fillers for poly(butylene terephthalate)‐based composites: Thermo‐oxidative aging and durability

“…The BC/PBT showed the highest incremental increase in X c as compared to talc and GF. The nucleating effect of BC was also previously reported in the BC filled PTT 19 and From the cooling curves of the unaged samples [ Figure 2(b)], the T c of PBT shifted to higher temperatures after addition of BC, talc, and GF. The shifting of T c to higher temperature confirms the heterogeneous nucleating effect of the fillers in PBT.…”

“…The BC/PBT showed the highest incremental increase in X c as compared to talc and GF. The nucleating effect of BC was also previously reported in the BC filled PTT and BC/PP biocomposites. The BC particles acted as nucleating points to initiate the heterogeneous crystallization.…”

“…Based on previous studies, the multifunctionality of the BC derived from various biomass wastes has the potential to be used as a polymer additive since it is a renewable feedstock and is more sustainable when compared to conventional fillers. Furthermore, the lower density of the BC reinforced polymer composites as compared to conventional filler reinforced polymer composites is another attractive point in fabricating BC/polymer biocomposites …”

“…Furthermore, the lower density of the BC reinforced polymer composites as compared to conventional filler reinforced polymer composites is another attractive point in fabricating BC/polymer biocomposites. 19 Poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) is an important, widely used engineering thermoplastic belonging to the same polyester family as PET and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT). It is frequently used in many industrial applications ranging from household components to automotive parts, due to its excellent properties.…”

Maleic anhydride‐modified polyolefins as compatibilizer for lignin‐reinforced polypropylene composites

“…For example, lignin has been used as a macro‐monomer to synthesize thermosetting polymers, such as epoxy resins , and polyurethane . Lignin is also widely used as a precursor to prepare carbon‐based materials, such as carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon aerogel, and activated carbons . Besides, it can also be incorporated into thermoplastic polymers as reinforcing or toughening agents .…”