Bioaromatic-associated multifunctionality in lignin-containing reversible elastomers

Available
The embargo period has ended, and this item is now available.

Date

2023-07-12

Editor(s)

Advisor

Supervisor

Co-Advisor

Co-Supervisor

Instructor

BUIR Usage Stats
11
views
5
downloads

Citation Stats

Series

Abstract

The unique molecular structure of lignin, intrinsically rich in bioaromatic groups (phenolic hydroxyls), gives it, e.g., antioxidant, antistatic, antimicrobial, UV-blocking, hydrophobic, or even flame-retardant properties, which are highly interesting. An attractive strategy to use lignin as a macro-monomer for the design of functional materials that retain certain of these lignin-specific properties is to partially preserve some phenolic groups during the synthesis. In this work, we explore the properties of reversible elastomers containing a lignin fraction whose phenolic groups have only been partially modified. To do so, Kraft lignin was first fractionated and partially (89%) modified with furan groups, allowing its homogeneous incorporation in Diels-Alder formulations. The effect of the residual phenolic groups embedded in the polymer matrix was then systematically studied, focusing on the specific material properties associated with lignin. The obtained lignin-containing networks notably showed increased radical scavenging activity (which directly resulted in improved antistatic and antioxidant properties), displayed improved UV absorbance due to the presence of multiple lignin chromophores, and were even able to inhibit the growth of bacteria. This article demonstrates that tailored and partially modified lignin fractions could be used as multi-functional building blocks for the design of complex (and reversible) polymer architectures, mimicking some of the unique lignin functionalities found in nature, and this without the need to add specific additives.

Source Title

ACS Applied Polymer Materials

Publisher

American Chemical Society

Course

Other identifiers

Book Title

Degree Discipline

Degree Level

Degree Name

Citation

Published Version (Please cite this version)

Language

en_US