Enhancement of Tensile and Impact Properties of Thermoplastic Lignocellulose Composites by Incorporation of Chemically Treated Alcell Lignin as Compatibilizer

This study focused on the effects of chemical treatment of Alcell lignin using glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) on the properties of thermoplastic-lignocellulosic composites. In the first stage, Alcell lignin was treated with GMA and AGE in different ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3, based on equivalent weight). The level of treatment was monitored by (i) weight percentage gain (WPG), (ii) Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) analysis and (iii) iodine number determination (Hanus method). In the second stage, treated lignin was used as compatibilizer at different percentages (1%, 3% and 5%, based on filler weight) in the preparation of lignocellulosic-thermoplastic composites. The results indicated that GMA and AGE had successfully attached to the lignin and enhanced the mechanical properties of lignocellulosic-thermoplastic composites. By comparison, the GMA treated lignin exhibited greater enhancement in mechanical properties as compared to AGE treated lignin.