Nanocomposites based on synthetic polymers grafted from kraft lignin with average particle size of 5 nm were synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Lignin macroinitiators were prepared, and polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) were polymerized with target degree of polymerization of 450. Structural characterization was performed using transmission electron microscopy, and the microstructure was shown to be consistent with well dispersed lignin partlcles having average diameter of 10 nm in a matrix of the synthetic polymers. Mechanical characterization using tensile testing showed that while the modulus was 10-times lower than that of the corresponding homopolymers, the toughness was more than 20-times greater. These properties are consistent with other single-phase nanocomposite systems and indicate that lignin can be used effectively in preparing advanced materials using renewable resources whose properties are comparable to currently available ones. Figure 1. <img src='https://acs-archive-assets2.s3.amazonaws.com/240nm/uploads/35542_figure1.jpg' alt='' />

Lignin-polymer hybrids via ATRP: Synthesis and applications

247th National Meeting (2014)

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