Karnitski, Aliaksandr Kim, Sung-Soo 2026-02-19T05:00:25Z 2026-02-19T05:00:25Z 2026-02-19 2026-03 0926-6690 https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/154286 Lignin is recognized as a biodegradable, eco-friendly, and sustainable material that can be applied in various industries, including biomass-embedded film manufacturing. However, several challenges associated with the low chemical compatibility of lignin towards polymer matrix need to be adequately addressed to enable the widespread use of lignin-containing composite films. This study aims to investigate the effects of lignin-derived additives with adjusted molecular weight and functional group content on the mechanical and UV-shielding properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films. Due to their enhanced chemical compatibility, nitric acid-treated lignin powders with reduced molecular weight were homogeneously blended with PVA. The resulting lignincontaining films exhibited excellent UV-blocking activity in the wavelength range of 290-400 nm and showed significantly enhanced mechanical properties due to hydrogen bonding between the additives and PVA, with tensile strength reaching 123.7 MPa, accompanied by a reduction in elongation at break. Additionally, the incorporation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) significantly improved the toughness (up to 25.2-25.5 MJ/m3), while UV-blocking performance remained excellent, with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 50 + . Overall, this work presents a sustainable and scalable approach for producing lignin-containing functional films with tunable optical and mechanical properties, contributing to the advancement of renewable, bio-based materials for sustainable engineering applications. English Elsevier BV Nitrated lignin-reinforced polyvinyl alcohol films with enhanced optical and mechanical properties Article 10.1016/j.indcrop.2026.122816 1 Industrial Crops and Products, v.241 Industrial Crops and Products 241 Y scie scopus 001684815600001 2-s2.0-105029085439 Agricultural Engineering Agronomy Agriculture Article PVA Lignin UV-shielding Mechanical properties Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composite Nitric acid