Lignol Energy has announced that the research and trials conducted on high performance lignin (HP-L lignin) reveal that the material is compatible with several generally used thermoplastics. HP-L is a new group of high purity lignin extractives, which can be engineered to meet the chemical and functional needs of the different industrial applications.
Thermoplastics are more versatile materials and have applications in automobiles, structural plastics, containers, food packaging, consumer goods and industrial products. In addition, they can be utilized as precursors for materials such as carbon fiber. Global demand for thermoplastics such as polypropylene and polyethylene are increasing. It has been estimated that a combined worldwide demand for the two materials has surpassed 100 Mt annually.
Tests demonstrate that the value of HP-L material as a functional ingredient in commonly used in thermoplastic materials. In addition, the trials show that HP-L improves specific features of thermoplastics and delivers a considerable level of renewable content in the material applications. The exceptional purity and physico-chemical properties have enabled the addition of significant quantities of HP-L into thermoplastic blends without disturbing the mechanical properties of the blends. The tests have been performed at major research facilities in North America.
President and CEO of Lignol, Ross MacLachlan stated that the current results will support the company’s initiatives to develop larger-scale testing on a wide range of bio-based plastics and also helps to progress in their primary goal to develop off-take contracts for a commercial biorefinery.