Characterization of lignin and study on mechanical properties of lignin/PVC blends

In this study, lignin was characterized through elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in order to understand the potential use for future value added applications, with a major focus on composite materials. Lignins exhibited a little high sulphur. Thermogravimetric curves of the lignin demonstrated good thermal stability. Ligin/PVC composites were prepared and the effect of lignin incorporation was investigated by means of mechanical properties. Lignin added to the composite was obtained by the dual-roll milling process. The composites were prepared by molding and assessed by means of tensile testing. The results showed that no more than 15w% of lignin did not reduce tensile strength and in its presence hardness property was improved.