Strong UV absorption by nanoparticulated lignin in polymer films with reinforcement of mechanical properties

In this paper, we report about function of nanoparticulated lignin derivative as a UV absorber for polymer films. The lignin derivative obtained by simultaneous enzymatic saccharification and comminution (SESC lignin) exhibited strong UV absorption in a poly(vinyl alcohol) matrix without dramatically affecting its transparency. Furthermore, a small amount of SESC lignin simultaneously acted as a mechanical/thermal enhancer of the polymer film. The presented UV absorption system does not require toxic additives; i.e., the SESC lignin is expected for utilization as a UV absorber in food/medicine packaging films. Furthermore, the SESC lignin can be prepared via an environmentally friendly process. Therefore, the strong UV absorption property of the SESC lignin not only promotes the utilization of plant biomass as a high-value industrial material but also reduces the environmental load caused by heatproof materials derived from toxic petroleum-based resources.