Preparation of Biodegradable and Low-Cost Lignin-Based PVOH Carbon Fibers Prepared by Electrospinning

A polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)/lignin nanofiber was prepared by the electrospinning method as a precursor for biodegradable and low-cost carbon fibers. PVOH 15% was dissolved in water, and various concentration of lignin (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%) was added. The presence of lignin in PVOH solution increased the viscosity and conductivity. From SEM analysis, PVOH solution produced smooth fiber, whereas the addition of lignin produced fibers in bead forms. The presence of lignin above 20% in PVOH did not produce spun-fiber. FTIR analysis confirmed that lignin was able to form hydrogen bonds with PVOH. TGA analysis showed that PVOH/lignin nanofibers had the highest residual mass, i.e., 40% at 600 degrees C. The morphology of the carbon fibers showed flake forms with many pores and had 58.07% carbon content.

Automated summary

This study prepared PVOH/lignin nanofibers using the electrospinning method, with SEM analysis showing that the presence of lignin changes the fiber morphology and affects the formation of spun-fibers. TGA analysis revealed that PVOH/lignin nanofibers have a higher residual mass.