Preparation and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Mg(OH)2/Lignin Hybrid Material and Its Use as a Functional Filler for Poly(Vinyl Chloride)

A functional magnesium hydroxide/lignin hybrid system was prepared by grinding and mixing the pure precursors using a planetary ball mill. In addition, the thermal stability was assessed based on the total mass loss of the hybrid system within the temperature range of 30⁻1000 °C, which amounted to 38%. Moreover, the average particle size was at 4.9 μm as determined by the laser diffraction method. The effect of addition of the prepared and characterized Mg(OH)₂/lignin hybrid filler at concentrations ranging from 2.5 wt % to 10 wt % on the processing as well as mechanical and thermal properties of composites on the matrix of the unplasticized PVC compound was also evaluated. The addition of a filler to the poly(vinyl chloride) matrix causes a significant improvement of its thermal stability, which is approximately three times higher compared to a polymer without a filler. Furthermore, the prepared composites are additionally characterized by advantageous mechanical properties, especially higher Young's modulus. A 10% increase in the oxygen index of PVC composites upon addition of 10 wt % hybrid fillers has also been observed, which contributes to an extended range of their application under conditions that require notable fire resistance.