Lignin has been used as biopolymer matrix filler for the first time in the world

Recently, technicians with lignin-reinforced polylactic acid new process, can produce 100% bio-based reinforced thermoplastics. Through blending modification technology, technicians have added lignin as a filler to polylactic acid matrix for the first time in the world to produce composite materials with better performance.
Lignin is a 100% natural substance and is the second most abundant organic material on Earth after cellulose. Each year, the global paper and bioethanol industries generate nearly 50 million tons of waste containing lignin (including hydrolyzed lignin) during wood processing, of which 98% is incinerated.
The technicians succeeded in adding up to 30% lignin to the polylactic acid matrix to produce a composite material with natural antioxidant capacity, enhanced mechanical properties and controllable biodegradation, with a biodegradation rate of more than 90% within 99 days.
The experimental results show that the bending and tensile properties of the lignin reinforced material after modification are improved by about 30% compared with pure polylactic acid, which is suitable for packaging applications, and its material properties can ensure that the packaging has enough hardness to maintain its shape under load. Thanks to its antioxidant capacity, the lignin reinforcement prevents the formation of odors, odors or toxic compounds, thereby ensuring food quality and safety. In addition, the material can also be applied to the field of agricultural biodegradable plastics to effectively prevent their oxidative degradation.