Mechanochemical Oleation of Lignin Through Ball Milling and Properties of its Blends with PLA

In this work, mechanochemical modification of lignin and PLA blends with the modified lignin were studied. Oleated organo-solv lignin (OL) was prepared by transesterification between OL and methyl oleate and the oleation reaction was conducted in ball milling process. PLA/lignin blends were successfully prepared through melt extrusion. The tensile, dynamic mechanical, rheological and morphological properties of the blends were investigated. Compared with the PLA/milled OL blends, the PLA/oleated OL blends exhibited finer dispersion of lignin in the blends, increased glass transition temperature and higher tensile properties.