Lignin-based polymers with enhanced melt extrusion ability

Abstract

A solid polymer blend material comprising: (i) a lignin-acrylonitrile component containing a homogeneous blend of a lignin component and an acrylonitrile-containing rubber component; and (ii) a styrene-containing thermoplastic component that is non-elastomeric; wherein components (i) and (ii) are homogeneously dispersed in the polymer blend material. Methods for producing the blend material are also described. Methods for producing objects made of the blend material by melt extrusion are also described, comprising: (a) melt blending components (i) and (ii) to form a polymer blend in which components (i) and (ii) are homogeneously blended, wherein the polymer blend exhibits a melt viscosity of no more than 2000 Pa·s at a shear rate of 100-1000 s −1 and when heated to a temperature of no more than 240° C.; and (b) forming an object made of said polymer blend material.