Preparation and characterization of hydroxyethyl cellulose/nanolignin composite films

Hydroxyethyl cellulose/nanolignin composite films were prepared and characterized. The composite films were produced via casting of synthesized nanolignin added to hydroxyethyl cellulose at different concentrations (2.5%, 5%, 10%, and 20% by mass). A control film without nanolignin was also prepared for comparison. The thermal properties of the composite films were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), while the mechanical properties were determined by tensile testing and the surface properties were determined by water contact angle measurements. In addition, the morphologies of the samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was observed that with the addition of nano lignin, the glass transition temperature of the composite films increased from 109 °C to 262 °C; the elongation at break increased from 19% to 51%; and the contact angles increased from 53 °C to 73 °C. The results showed that the presence of nanolignin produced materials being more flexible and more hydrophobic with higher glass transition temperatures.