Preparation and characterization of eco-friendly Mg(OH)2/lignin hybrid material and its use as a functional filler for poly(vinyl chloride)

Abstract

A functional magnesium hydroxide/lignin hybrid system was prepared by grinding andmixing the pure precursors using a planetary ball mill. In addition, the thermal stability was assessedbased on the total mass loss of the hybrid system within the temperature range of 30-1000 °C, whichamounted to 38%. Moreover, the average particle size was at 4.9 μm as determined by the laserdiffraction method. The effect of addition of the prepared and characterized Mg(OH)2/lignin hybridfiller at concentrations ranging from 2.5 wt % to 10 wt % on the processing as well as mechanicaland thermal properties of composites on the matrix of the unplasticized PVC compound was alsoevaluated. The addition of a filler to the poly(vinyl chloride) matrix causes a significant improvementof its thermal stability, which is approximately three times higher compared to a polymer withouta filler. Furthermore, the prepared composites are additionally characterized by advantageousmechanical properties, especially higher Young's modulus. A 10% increase in the oxygen index ofPVC composites upon addition of 10 wt % hybrid fillers has also been observed, which contributes toan extended range of their application under conditions that require notable fire resistance.