Lignin in Polymeric Materials

B. A. ACHA; C. CAPURRO; N. E. MARCOVICH; M. I. ARANGUREN; M. M. REBOREDO

Barcelona, España.

Simposio; 7th International Forum of International Lignin Institute (ILI); 2005

Lignin, a natural polymer found in wood, is a polyaromatic polyol that is readily available and relatively inexpensive. Lignin structure is dependent on wood species and processing conditions, and it is particularly difficult to biodegrade reducing the bioavailability of the other constituents. Commercially, lignin is obtained as a by-product of papermaking. It is utilized as a stabilizer (antioxidant) for plastics and rubber as well as in the formulation of dispersants, adhesives and surfactants. The addition of lignin as fire retardant in two polymeric materials was studied. Flame tests and thermogravimetric analysis were performed in polyurethane foams and polypropylene, respectively. Results shoe an improvement in fire/degradation behavior for bothe systems attributed to the high char production by lignins during burning.