Preparation, structure, and properties of poly(ethyleneoxide)/lignin composites used for UV absorption

A composite of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and lignin (Lg) was prepared and characterized for its utility as an ultraviolet (UV) absorbing material. Due to the extensive UV absorption and excellent oxidation-resistance of Lg, the formation of hydrogen bonds between the Lg particles and the PEO molecular segments renders the Lg particles well-dispersed in the PEO matrix. PEO/Lg composites with different Lg contents show that high levels of Lg could cause defects at the PEO/Lg composite interface. The viscosities of all composites were higher than that of pure PEO. Composite foams were further prepared under supercritical carbon dioxide conditions, all of which exhibited excellent UV-absorption properties. This work provides a means toward convenient preparation of PEO composites with UV-absorption ability and forms a theoretical basis for the dispersion of Lg in polymer matrices. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48593.