20 Oct LignoFol – Film based on LIGNIN
The excellence cluster BioEconomy: “TG3, Development of functional polymer films and polymer coatings using lignin intermediates for innovative applications
( VP 3.4 / LignoFol) – Teilprojekt C“ (BMBF KMU 031A572C)
Research task
Our Project to lignin was necessary for the investigation of basic synthetic feasibility and cost-effectiveness. Our work was an important basis for the achievement of the overall result.
The planned project is a contribution to sustainable material use of bio-based, renewable raw materials and waste materials should be made. The objective of the proposed project was to obtain lignin-polymer-forming starting materials are eligible for further processing for plastic films in question. It was the object of suitable lignin derivatives having sufficient compatibility to provide the base polymers of the film manufacturer.
How was the way to the result?
For this it was first necessary to analyze different, already on the market lignins and lignin derivatives and chemically characterize, to then carry out with suitable synthetic methods targeted modifications. Furthermore, made the development and deployment of homogeneously dissolved lignin and its chemical compatibilization for installation in composite films and composite layers.
Following priorities have been edited:
- Characterization of lignin types
- Selection and testing of analysis methods
- Synthesis process for modifying lignin
- Analysis and characterization of synthetic products
- Compatibility with PET / PE materials for incorporation as a masterbatch / compound
Result
Lignin is obtained in large tonnages at the production of paper by the kraft process. This contains a high content of salts that bind water particularly strong and depending on the work-up remnants of covalently bonded sulfur which is responsible for an unpleasant odor. Therefore complex purification steps are required, which are connected to a great deal of time and energy. The crude product from the solution provides very brittle solids that contain a high proportion of polar groups. To establish the compatibility to the base polymer of the film industry, the lignin have been modified to be able to process greater than or equal to 50% to give a masterbatch with proportions. Kraft lignin to convert the primary objective in this case in a thermoplastic material have been achieved. The way in which the equipment technical requirements for the provision of such an additive for technically relevant dimensions were explored.
The applications are not limited to the film production, but also extend to the production of adhesives and coatings.
The research project ran from March 1, 2015 to August 31 2017 together with the project partners:
POLIFILM Extrusion GmbH, Südliches Anhalt
Folienwerk Wolfen GmbH
Fraunhofer-Institut für Werkstoffmechanik IWM Halle
Polymer Service GmbH Merseburg
Ventury GmbH Energieanlagen Dresden
Gesellschaft zur Förderung von Medizin-, Bio- und Umwelttechnologien GMBU e.V.
Contact:
Karin Rauch
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