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Solvent-Resistant Lignin-Epoxy Hybrid Nanoparticles for Covalent Surface Modification and High-Strength Particulate
Tao Zou1, Mika Henrikki Sipponen2, Alexander Henn1
1Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, Vuorimiehentie 1, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
ACS Nano
|February 17, 2021
Summary
Researchers stabilized lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) using a novel cross-linking method. This innovation enhances LNP stability in harsh conditions, enabling new applications in surface functionalization and durable wood adhesives.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Spherical lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) offer diverse applications but suffer from poor stability in alkaline or organic solvent conditions.
- This instability limits their surface functionalization in dispersion and processing under harsh environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for stabilizing lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) through intraparticle cross-linking.
- To enhance the morphological and chemical stability of LNPs for advanced applications.
Main Methods:
- Coprecipitation of softwood Kraft lignin with Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) to form hybrid LNPs (hy-LNPs).
- Intraparticle cross-linking of hy-LNPs at varying BADGE content (≤20 wt %).
- Characterization using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring (QCM-D).
Main Results:
- Intraparticle cross-linked hy-LNPs (≤20 wt % BADGE) maintained colloidal stability and resisted dissolution in strong alkali and acetone-water mixtures.
- Covalent surface functionalization was achieved via epoxy ring-opening, yielding pH-switchable surface charge.
- Hy-LNPs with ≥30% BADGE exhibited inter- and intraparticle cross-linking at >150 °C, suitable for wood adhesives.
Conclusions:
- Intraparticle cross-linking provides a robust method to stabilize lignin nanoparticles (LNPs).
- This stabilization enables advanced surface modification and unlocks potential in high-performance applications like waterborne wood adhesives.
