Abstract

This research program studies replacing part of PVC by a by-product material (lignin) in the plasticized PVC-wood flour composite formulation. Moreover, it studies and experiments different coupling agents to improve the interface between polymer matrix and wood flour. For these purposes, series of PVC-wood flour control and blend formulations with different amount and type of lignins and wood flour were prepared. This process also included selecting the effective additives and adequate processing parameters for new formulation of PVC-lignin-wood flour composite to enrich the best properties. Tensile and thermal properties, as well as torque values are evaluated to choose the best formulation. As a result, an effective heat stabilizer, lubricant and proper processing parameters were established. Although replacing part of PVC with large amount of lignin did not result in a composite with desired properties, significant improvements in tensile properties were attained when the concentration of alcell lignin in composite was of 1 and 2phr. Alcell due to its polar groups acts as an effective coupling agent and increases the interfacial adhesion between plasticized PVC and wood flour, so it improves the performance of the composite.