Preparation and characterization of lignin-layered double hydroxide/styrene-butadiene rubber composites

Lignin-layered double hydroxide (lignin-LDH) complex was synthesized by in situ method, and then styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR)/lignin-LDH composites were prepared by the melt compounding method. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that crystal lignin-LDH was successfully obtained and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed well dispersion of lignin-LDH in SBR matrix. The tensile strength, elongation at break, 300% modulus and hardness of lignin-LDH/SBR were significantly improved compared to LDH/SBR composites. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the thermal degradation temperature of the lignin-LDH/SBR at 10% weight loss (T-10) decreased whereas 50% weight loss (T-50) was much higher than that of pristine LDH/SBR due to barrier property of the well dispersed Lignin-LDH in SBR matrix. (C) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1308-1312, 2013