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Preparation of Biobased Nonisocyanate Polyurethane/Epoxy Thermoset Materials Using Depolymerized Native Lignin
Jose Enrico Q Quinsaat1, Elias Feghali1,2,3, Daniel J van de Pas1
1Scion, 49 Sala Street, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua3046, New Zealand.
Biomacromolecules
|October 12, 2022
Summary
This study introduces novel, high biobased content (85-90 wt %) isocyanate-free polyurethane/epoxy hybrid thermosets. These sustainable materials, derived from lignin, offer superior mechanical properties compared to traditional petrochemical-based alternatives.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Polyurethane production relies on toxic isocyanates, driving demand for eco-friendly alternatives.
- Lignin, a biobased resource, presents an opportunity for developing sustainable polymers.
- Isocyanate-free polyurethanes (PHUs) offer a safer and greener approach to polymer synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel isocyanate-free polyurethane/epoxy hybrid thermosets with high biobased content.
- To utilize lignin-derived materials for creating sustainable thermosetting polymers.
- To evaluate the mechanical performance of these biobased hybrid materials.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of polyhydroxyurethanes (PHUs) from lignin hydrogenolysis oil (LHO).
- Functionalization of LHO to epoxidized (LHO-GE) and cyclocarbonated (LHO-CC) structures.
- Curing of LHO-CC with glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDGE) to form hybrid PHU/epoxy thermosets.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized isocyanate-free hybrid thermosets with 85-90 wt % biobased content.
- Optimized formulations yielded materials with a flexural modulus of 4.5 GPa and flexural strength of 160 MPa.
- The biobased hybrid materials demonstrated superior performance over epoxy-only counterparts and petrochemical-based hybrids.
Conclusions:
- Novel biobased hybrid thermosets can be effectively produced using lignin-derived polyhydroxyurethanes and epoxy resins.
- These materials offer a sustainable and high-performance alternative to conventional thermosets.
- The developed materials show significant promise for eco-friendly material applications.
