Kraft lignin/cubic boron nitride hybrid materials as functional components for abrasive tools

Abstract In this study, the kraft lignin/cubic boron nitride hybrid materials have been obtained and characterized for the first time. The effectiveness of the combination of lignin and boron nitride was evaluated on the basis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, it was confirmed that the addition of cubic boron nitride (cBN) improved the thermal stability of the inorganic-organic material. Upswing in thermal properties allowed to apply the prepared materials in preparation of model abrasive composites. Beneficial influence of the lignin/cBN filler was also proven by a noticeable decrease in the amount of harmful phenol released from the compositions during headspace gas chromatography analysis. Mechanical properties of the lignin/boron nitride hybrids and resin systems were investigated by the three-point flexural test. The obtained results show that the used additives can be promising materials for abrasive tools combining the good properties of lignin as a plasticizer and of cubic boron nitride as a filler which improves the thermal and mechanical properties of finished products and, at the same time, limits the negative impact on human health and environment.