Lignin-based bio composites: Exploring compatibility and potentials in a batch system

Abstract

The growing concern of the depletion of fossil resources as well as the increasing awareness of the environmental impact of petroleum-based products has led to an increased interest in materials based on renewable resources. One of the most abundant natural resources in Sweden is wood, providing, among other, material for the paper and pulp industry. The processes used in this industry creates lignin as a byproduct, most of which is used as a low-cost bio-fuel. An attractive alternative to this use would be to modify the lignin to be used as a value-added thermoplastic polymer. The Swedish company RenCom is contributing to this work by developing a thermoplastic lignin that can potentially be blended with ordinary thermoplastics, creating bio-composites. This master thesis aims to produce and investigate different thermoplastic composites containing modified lignin. The final material properties will be analyzed to find potential matrices of interest for the further development of ligninbased composites.