The purpose of this paper is to focus on the investigation of mechanical and thermal properties of lignin/poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) blends, intended to be used as carbon fiber precursor.
Softwood kraft lignin was modified via esterification using phthalic anhydride and then blended with PEO. The final lignin/PEO ratios blends were (w/w) 20/80, 50/50 and 80/20 for both unmodified and modified lignin. The structural, thermal and mechanical properties of the blends were investigated by Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry and tensile tests, respectively.
The results revealed that modified lignin/PEO blend (20/80) exhibited enhanced elongation.
The structural analysis as well as thermal and mechanical properties of the produced blends are clearly demonstrated.
