Fabrication of Coir Pith Lignin-Based Fibers Using Electrospinning Method

Abstract

The electrospinability of lignin derived from coir pith in Mekong Delta, Vietnam was investigated by electrospinning method which has attracted great attention in recent years. Lignin was blended with polyethylene oxide (PEO) in order to enhance the electrospinning performance. The addition of PEO was contributed reducing electrical conductivity and improving viscoelastic properties, assisting in lignin fiber formation. The electrospun parameters containing various Lignin/PEO ratios, feeding rates, working distances were studied. The electrospun lignin fibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to evaluate their morphology. Experimental results showed that lignin-based fibers were successfully fabricated and fiber performance was highly depending on Lignin/PEO content rate, flow rate and needle-disk distance. The optimal fibers were obtained at experimental conditions: Lignin/PEO content rate of 85/15, flow rate of 0.2 mL/h and performing distance of 11 cm.