Synergistic effect of lignin/polypropylene as a compatibilizer in multiphase eco-composites

Abstract We exploited multiphase eco-composites that consist of PLA, coffee, lignin, and polypropylene. In particular, we focused on the synergistic effect of lignin/polypropylene as a compatibilizer in multiphase eco-composites. The multiphase composites were fabricated through direct melt compounding. The thermal, mechanical, and rheological analyses of the composites were performed in order to determine the addition effect of the compatibilizer. The analyses revealed that lignin/polypropylene successfully acted as a compatibilizer, increasing the physical performance of composites. The addition of lignin/polypropylene led to an increase in the thermal stability and mechanical properties such as the storage and loss moduli and flexural strength. Additionally, the morphological properties of the composite were explored using SEM observation.