Lignin as additive in polypropylene/coir composites: Thermal, mechanical and morphological properties

PP/CF composites were prepared and the effect of lignin incorporation in the presence and absence of compatibilizer (maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene. PP-g-MA) was investigated by means of mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. Lignin added to the composite was obtained by the Acetosolv process. The composites were prepared in a Haake torque rheometer and assessed by means of tensile testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that in the absence of PP-g-MA, incorporation of lignin did not affect tensile strength and in its presence this property was reduced. Thermal analysis revealed that incorporation of lignin in the composites resulted in increase in both the initial thermal decomposition temperatures and oxidation induction times. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.