Lignin, a biomass-derived macromolecular material, was used as an extender of Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), a common industrial thermoplastic resin. Solvent fractionated Kraft lignin was incorporated in ABS matrix by melt-blending technique. The effects of lignin incorporation on thermal stability, morphological, mechanical and rheological properties of the ABS matrix were investigated. Small amounts of lignin increase ABS tensile modulus, while higher amounts diminish overall mechanical strength. However, addition of polyethylene oxide (PEO) as compatibilizer at 10% loading of lignin content improves the performance of high-lignin content ABS. In fact, 30% lignin-loaded ABS exhibits tensile properties nearly equivalent to that of neat ABS. Such an approach can be used to lower ABS cost while reducing the carbon footprint of this petroleum-derived resin. The resin was used for manufacturing chopped carbon fiber thermoplastic composite. Nearly 25 volume % chopped carbon fiber reinforced composite prepared by compression molding, exhibited 90 MPa tensile strength and 0.70 % ultimate elongation.

Lignin expanded acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) thermoplastic for composite applications

249th National Meeting (2015)

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