Design and characterization of functional TiO2–lignin fillers used in rotational molded polyethylene containers

Karol Bula, Patryk Jędrzejczak, Dawid Ajnbacher, Maurice N. Collins, Łukasz Klapiszewski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this study, new TiO2–lignin hybrid systems were synthesized and characterized by various methods, including non-invasive backscattering (NIBS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), elemental analysis (EA) and zeta potential analysis (ZP). The weak hydrogen bonds between the components, as shown on FTIR spectra, proved the production of class I hybrid systems. TiO2–lignin systems were found to display good thermal stability and relatively good homogeneity. These newly designed hybrid materials were used to produce functional composites via rotational molding in a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix at 2.5 % and 5.0 % loading by weight of the fillers, namely, TiO2, TiO2–lignin (5:1 wt./wt.), TiO2–lignin (1:1 wt./wt.), TiO2–lignin (1:5 wt./wt.) and pristine lignin, creating rectangular specimens. The mechanical properties of the specimens were measured via compression testing and by low-energy impact damage testing (the drop test). The results showed that the system containing 5.0 % by weight of TiO2–lignin (1:1 wt./wt.) had the most positive effect on the container's compression strength, while the LLDPE filled with 5.0 % by weight of TiO2–lignin (5:1 wt./wt.) demonstrated the best impact resistance among all the tested composites.

Original languageEnglish
Article number125626
Pages (from-to)125626
JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Volume246
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Aug 2023

Keywords

  • Biopolymer containers
  • Hybrid materials
  • Kraft lignin
  • Rotational molding
  • Titanium dioxide

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