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Electrospun lignin-PVP nanofibers and their ability for structuring oil
María Borrego1, José E Martín-Alfonso1, M Carmen Sánchez1
1Pro(2)TecS - Chemical Product and Process Technology Research Center, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Universidad de Huelva, ETSI, Campus de "El Carmen", 21071 Huelva, Spain.
This study shows how electrospinning low-sulfonate Kraft lignin (LSL)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solutions creates nanostructures that can structure castor oil into oleogels. These bio-based lubricants demonstrate promising friction and wear properties for potential applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Kraft lignin is an abundant biomass byproduct with potential for material applications.
- Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is a versatile polymer used in various formulations.
- Developing sustainable materials from lignin is crucial for reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the electrospinnability of low-sulfonate Kraft lignin (LSL)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) solutions.
- To characterize the micro- and nano-architectures produced by electrospinning.
- To evaluate the ability of these structures to form oleogels from castor oil and assess their tribological properties.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of LSL/PVP solutions with varying concentrations (8-15 wt%) and ratios (90:10-0:100).
- Physicochemical and rheological characterization of solutions.
- Electrospinning to generate nanostructures (nanoparticles, filaments, nanofibers).
- Formation of oleogels by dispersing nanostructures in castor oil.
- Tribological testing of oleogels as bio-based lubricants.
Main Results:
- Solution rheology dictates electrospun nanostructure morphology: low concentrations/high LSL ratios yield nanoparticles/filaments, while higher concentrations/lower LSL ratios produce nanofibers.
- Electrospun LSL/PVP nanofibers effectively structure castor oil into oleogels (10-30 wt% nanostructure content).
- Oleogel rheological properties are tunable via LSL:PVP ratio and nanostructure content.
- Oleogels structured by nanofibers showed satisfactory friction and wear performance in tribological tests.
Conclusions:
- Electrospinning LSL/PVP offers a straightforward method for producing nanofibers.
- These nanofibers are effective in creating bio-based oleogels from castor oil.
- The developed oleogels show potential as sustainable lubricants with tunable properties.
