Work

Effect of Thermal Imidization Conditions on Polyimide Webs Derived from Poly(amic acid)/Lignin Nanofiber

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of lignin incorporation on the morphology and thermal imidization behavior of electrospun polyimide nanofibers. Blending lignin with poly-(amic acid) significantly improved fiber uniformity, reducing the average fiber diameter by 46% and decreasing diameter deviation by 73% compared to neat PAA nanofibers. Both neat and lignin-containing nanofibers achieved high degrees of imidization (DOI > 90%) at 230 °C and approached 99% at 280 °C while maintaining their porous structures. Notably, lignin-containing fibers showed higher degrees of imidization than neat PAA under comparable thermal conditions. Although rapid thermal ramping led to greater optical darkening, spectroscopic and thermal analyses confirmed that the polymer backbone remained chemically stable. These findings suggest a potential approach to lignin valorization and provide a basis for fabricating polyimide nanofibers with controlled structure and thermal properties.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c12607

Authors: Sa Rang Choi, Min Ho Lee, Jung Myoung Lee

Institutions: Kyungpook National University, Kolon Industries (South Korea)

Language: English

Topic: Synthesis and properties of polymers

Subfield: Polymers and Plastics

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935

Funders: Kyungpook National University, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology