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. 2024 May 29;9(23):24346-24355.
doi: 10.1021/acsomega.3c10113. eCollection 2024 Jun 11.

Self-Formation of Lignin Particles Through Melt-Extrusion for Active Biodegradable Food Packaging

Bongkot Hararak  1 , Pawarisa Wijaranakul  1 , Wanwitoo Wanmolee  2 , Wasawat Kraithong  2 , Kawin Keeratipinit  1 , Sanya Kaewket  1 , Charinee Winotapun  1 , Wuttipong Rungseesantivanon  1
Affiliations

Self-Formation of Lignin Particles Through Melt-Extrusion for Active Biodegradable Food Packaging

Bongkot Hararak et al. ACS Omega. .

Abstract

This study presents a method for the self-formation of lignin particles within a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix during melt-extrusion, eliminating the need for separation and drying steps typically associated with submicro-size lignin particles. This method effectively mitigates the problem of agglomeration often associated with the drying step. Softwood kraft lignin, guaiacyl lignin (GL-lignin), was dissolved in low-molecular-weight poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and was introduced into a twin-screw extruder using a liquid feeder. Lignin particles within a particle size range of 200-500 nm were observed in the extrudate of the PLA/PEG/GL-lignin composites. PLA/PEG/GL-lignin composite films were produced through blown film extrusion. These composite films demonstrated superior ultraviolet (UV)-barrier and antioxidant properties compared to neat PLA films, with optical and mechanical characteristics comparable to those of neat PLA. Moreover, migration values of the composite films in various food simulants were below regulatory limits, suggesting their potential for food packaging applications. This self-formation process offers a promising approach for utilizing lignin for PLA applications.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic illustration: (a) precipitation of PEG-modified lignin for physicochemical characterizations and (b) a procedure to produce PLA/self-formed lignin composite films.
Figure 2
Figure 2
SEM micrographs of GL-lignin and its derivative lignins dissolved in PEG at different temperatures.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Molecular weight distribution and (b) 31P NMR spectra of GL-lignin and its derivative PEG-modified lignins dissolved in PEG at different temperatures.
Figure 4
Figure 4
SEM micrographs of extruded PLA without incorporation of lignin (neat PLA and PLA/PEG) and its composites with GL-lignin.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Schematic illustration showing the self-formation lignin particles in poly(lactic acid) via a twin screw extruder.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Overlaid UV–visible spectra of PLA/lignin composite films at various dissolution temperatures of 100, 150, 180, and 200 °C, compared to neat PLA and PLA/PEG films.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Evaluation of antioxidant ability: (a) absorbance of DPPH-ethanol solutions after the film immersion test for 24 h and (b) free radical scavenging activity (RSA).
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