WoodComp3D
We are excited to announce a new publication with contributions from our CD lab members, featured in Mechanics of Materials, titled “The viscoelastic behavior of lignin: Quantification through nanoindentation relaxation testing on hot-pressed technical lignin samples from various origins.” This paper marks a significant advancement in our understanding of lignin, a natural polymer with vast potential in renewable resources and sustainable materials.
Nanoindentation relaxation tests assessed via micromechanics
The study focuses on the viscoelastic behavior of lignin, a crucial aspect of its potential applications in various industries. The research team conducted nanoindentation relaxation tests on several hot-pressed technical lignin samples sourced from different origins. The findings reveal a consistency in the viscoelastic properties of these samples, regardless of their origin or extraction process.
The observed viscoelastic behavior of solid (i.e., pore-free) lignin could be accurately modeled as an isochoric material with a constant bulk modulus and a time-dependent shear behavior resembled by a four-parameter Burgers model.
Advancing the applicability of lignin-based biocomposite materials
This discovery is pivotal as it suggests a broader applicability and reliability of lignin in developing sustainable materials. Lignin, often a byproduct of the paper and pulp industry, holds promise in advancing wood-based biocomposite materials and their production methods.
This work contributes to a deeper understanding of lignin’s mechanical properties, which are essential for innovating and optimizing its use in sustainable applications. This research highlights the potential of lignin as a versatile biomaterial and underscores the importance of sustainable practices in material science.
For more details on our findings and their implications, we invite you to read the full paper available.