Lignin-based composites with enhanced mechanical properties by acetone fractionation and epoxidation modification

Shuang-Lin Zou; Ling-Ping Xiao; Xiao-Ying Li; Wen-Zhen Yin; Run-Cang Sun

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2023.106187

Lignin-based composites with enhanced mechanical properties by acetone fractionation and epoxidation modification

iScience. 2023 Feb 13;26(3):106187. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106187. eCollection 2023 Mar 17.

Authors

Shuang-Lin Zou¹, Ling-Ping Xiao¹, Xiao-Ying Li¹, Wen-Zhen Yin¹, Run-Cang Sun¹

Affiliation

¹ Liaoning Key Lab of Lignocellulose Chemistry and BioMaterials, Liaoning Collaborative Innovation Center for Lignocellulosic Biorefinery, College of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, Liaoning 116034, China.

Abstract

Epoxy resin is widely used in various fields of the national economy due to its excellent chemical and mechanical properties. Lignin is mainly derived from lignocelluloses as one of the most abundant renewable bioresources. Due to the diversity of lignin sources and the complexity as well as heterogeneity of its structure, the value of lignin has not been fully realized. Herein, we report the utilization of industrial alkali lignin for the preparation of low-carbon and environmentally friendly bio-based epoxy thermosetting materials. Specifically, epoxidized lignin with substituted petroleum-based chemical bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) in various proportions was cross-linked to fabricate thermosetting epoxies. The cured thermosetting resin revealed enhanced tensile strength (4.6 MPa) and elongation (315.5%) in comparison with the common BADGE polymers. Overall, this work provides a practicable approach for lignin valorization toward tailored sustainable bioplastics in the context of a circular bioeconomy.

Keywords: Biomass; Biotechnology; Chemical engineering; Chemistry.