Renewable-Resource-Based Green Blends from Poly(furfuryl alcohol) Bioresin and Lignin

The preparation of an eco-friendly thermo-stable blend from furfuryl alcohol and lignin based on renewable resources is described. The optimum properties achieved for 20wt.-% lignin show significant improvements in flexural strength (55%), modulus (70%), and storage modulus (14%) over those of neat poly(furfuryl alcohol) (PFA) due to the greater degree of interactions between lignin and PFA resin. FTIR analysis shows strong interactions between PFA and lignin. DMA results are correlated with different well-known equations such as the Fox, Gordon-Tailor, and Kwei equation. TGA shows 47% char residue at 800 degrees C. SEM also supports the compatibility between the PFA and lignin in the blends.