The novel composites were characterised in terms of dimensional stability, evolution of morphology, thermal and mechanical properties and their performance was compared with that of composites containing polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA) a coupling agent.
As expected, composites with coupling agent present higher mechanical properties, lower water uptake and thickness swelling variation.
Suberin acts as plasticizer with antioxidant benefits, while lignin works as a coupling agent, improving tensile modulus and maximum strength.
Increasing lignin content dose not improve the mechanical properties but improves thermal stability.