Lignin as a dry bonding system component in EPDM/microcrystalline cellulose composites

This study aims at using lignin in place of resorcinol in hexamethylene-tetramine, resorcinol and hydrated silica (HRH) bonding system for ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) composites. Various percentages of lignin (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% with respect to resorcinol weight) were used. The rheometric, mechanical, thermo-aging, swelling, and dielectric properties of the produced composites were investigated. It was found that the introduction of 50% of lignin produced composite with superior mechanical, thermo-aging and swelling properties. Furthermore, the dielectric properties of the composites showed a significant enhancement with 100% of resorcinol replacement with lignin.

Automated summary

In the HRH bonding system of EPDM/MCC composites, replacing 50% of resorcinol with lignin resulted in composites with superior mechanical, thermo-aging, and swelling properties. Additionally, a significant enhancement in dielectric properties was observed with 100% replacement of resorcinol with lignin.