Multiphase materials with lignin. IV. Blends of hydroxypropyl cellulose with lignin

Abstract

Polymer blends of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) and organosolv lignin (OSL) were prepared by mixing in solutions of both pyridine and dioxane, and casting as films, and by mixing in the melt followed by extrusion. All preparations exhibited partial miscibility as evidenced by a single T_g up to a composition of 40 wt % lignin above which phase separation was detected. Dioxan-cast and injection-molded blends were distinguished from the pyridine-cast materials by a positive T_g deviation from additivity, an approximation which adequately described the latter. This positive deviation in T_g is attributed to the formation of a liquid-cryatal mesophase with a resultant reduction of amorphous HPC available for interaction with the lignin component.

Citation

Rials, Timothy G.; Glasser, Wolfgang G. 1989. Multiphase materials with lignin. IV. Blends of hydroxypropyl cellulose with lignin. Journal of Applied Polymer Science 37:2399-2415