Optimizing Noncovalent Interactions Between Lignin and Synthetic Polymers to Develop Effective Compatibilizers

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2012 · Macromolecular Chemistry and physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/macp.201100633· OSTI ID:1096356

Henry, Nathan ^[1]; Harper, David ^[2]; Dadmun, Mark D ^[3]

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1. University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK)
2. University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), Center for Renewable Carbon
3. ORNL

Experiments are designed and completed to identify an effective polymeric compatibilizer for lignin polystyrene blends. Copolymers of styrene and vinylphenol are chosen as the structure of the compatibilizer as the VPh unit can readily form intermolecular hydrogen bonds with the lignin molecule. Electron microscopy, thermal analysis, and neutron refl ectivity results demonstrate that among these compatibilizers, a copolymer of styrene and VPh with 20% 30% VPh most readily forms intermolecular interactions with the lignin molecule and results in the most well-dispersed blends with lignin. This behavior is explained by invoking the competition of intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding and functional group accessibility in forming intermolecular interactions.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States). Spallation Neutron Source (SNS)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Science (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: DE-AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1096356
• Journal Information: Macromolecular Chemistry and physics, Vol. 213, Issue 12; ISSN 1022-1352
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English