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Toward Bio-Based Epoxy Thermoset Polymers from Depolymerized Native Lignins Produced at the Pilot Scale.
Elias Feghali1, Daniel J van de Pas2, Kirk M Torr2
1Chemical Engineering Program, Notre Dame University-Louaize, P.O. Box 72, Zouk Mikael, 1211 Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon.
Biomacromolecules
|March 19, 2020
Summary
Renewable thermoset polymers were created using hydrogenolysis of pinewood lignin. These lignin-based epoxies improved mechanical properties, showing potential to replace petrochemicals in high-performance polymer applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Sustainable Materials Science
- Biomass Conversion
Background:
- Developing sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based thermoset polymers is crucial for environmental goals.
- Lignin, a renewable biopolymer, presents a potential feedstock for creating novel polymer precursors.
- Scaling up biomass conversion processes is key to industrial viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To scale up the hydrogenolysis of pinewood lignin to a pilot scale.
- To synthesize and characterize epoxy thermoset polymers derived from depolymerized lignin oils.
- To evaluate the thermal and mechanical performance of these novel bio-based epoxy resins.
Main Methods:
- Pilot-scale hydrogenolysis of pinewood lignin in a 50 L reactor.
- Glycidylation of lignin oils and blending with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether.
- Comprehensive material characterization including DSC, TGA, flexural testing, and DMTA.
Main Results:
- Successful pilot-scale production of depolymerized lignin oils.
- Lignin-derived epoxies were successfully synthesized and cured into thermoset polymers.
- Replacement of up to 67% of conventional epoxy with lignin epoxies yielded improvements up to 25% in flexural stiffness and strength.
Conclusions:
- Pilot-scale hydrogenolysis of lignin is feasible for producing precursors for renewable thermoset polymers.
- Lignin-based epoxies demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties, offering a sustainable alternative to petrochemicals.
- Further process optimization and scale-up can facilitate the substitution of established materials with renewable high-performance polymers.
