Preparation and Characterization of Novel PVC/Silica–Lignin Composites

An advanced SiO2–lignin hybrid material was obtained and tested as a novel poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) filler. The processing of compounds of poly(vinyl chloride) in the form of a dry blend with silica–lignin hybrid material and, separately, with the two components from which that material was prepared, was performed in a Brabender mixing chamber. An analysis was made of processing (mass melt flow rate, MFR), thermal (thermogravimetric analysis, Congo red and Vicat softening temperature test) and tensile properties of the final PVC composites with fillers in a range of concentrations between 2.5 wt % and 10 wt %. Additionally, the effects of filler content on the fusion characteristics of PVC composites were investigated. The homogeneity of dispersion of the silica–lignin hybrid material in the PVC matrix was determined by optical microscopy and SEM. Finally, it should be noted that it is possible to obtain a PVC composite containing up to 10 wt % of silica–lignin filler using a melt processing method. The introduction of hybrid filler into the PVC matrix results in a homogeneous structure of the composites and positive processing and functional properties, especially thermal stability and Vicat softening temperature. Polymers 2015, 7 1768