Abstract
Here we report the amalgamation of biomass-derived lignin polymer in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) thermoplastic matrix without loss of mechanical properties via macromolecular self-assembly. Generally, incorporating small amounts of lignin increases the tensile modulus of thermoplastic matrices, while higher amounts diminish overall mechanical strength. In this case, inclusion of a small quantity of non-ionic surfactant, polyethylene oxide (PEO), as an interfacial adhesion promoter improves the performance of high-lignin-content composites. In fact, in the presence of PEO, lignin-extended ABS exhibits performance nearly equivalent to that of neat ABS due to improved dispersion of rubbery domains in the ABS matrix and improved assimilation of lignin within soft domains. This approach could lower ABS cost while reducing the carbon footprint of ABS resin. The lignin-extended partially renewable ABS resins were subsequently reinforced with chopped carbon fibers for composite fabrication and testing. The mechanical performances of the composites are equivalent to those of reinforced ABS materials reportedly used in 3D printing applications.
