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Green circular design for unmodified lignin: solvent-free valorization into high-performance covalent adaptable
Shanshan Dai1, Shuaiqi Yang1, Shuai Du1
1Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P. R. China. songqi.ma@jiangnan.edu.cn.
Materials Horizons
|October 15, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a sustainable method to convert lignin waste into strong, adaptable materials. These novel covalent adaptable networks (CANs) offer excellent mechanical properties and recyclability, advancing biomass valorization.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- Industrial lignin waste presents a significant disposal challenge.
- Valorization of lignin into high-value materials is crucial for a circular economy.
- Existing methods often involve harsh chemicals or complex purification steps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a solvent- and purification-free strategy for lignin valorization.
- To create high-performance covalent adaptable networks (CANs) from industrial lignin waste.
- To demonstrate the circularity and sustainability of the developed materials.
Main Methods:
- Solubilization of unmodified lignin in bio-based 1,3-propanediol (PDO) via hydrogen bonding.
- Catalyst-free copolymerization of solubilized lignin with itaconic anhydride (ITA).
- Characterization of mechanical properties, thermal reshaping, and degradation behavior of the resulting CANs.
Main Results:
- Achieved exceptional mechanical strength (63 MPa) in lignin-based CANs, surpassing existing lignin materials and rivaling commercial epoxies.
- Demonstrated >74% strength retention after thermal reshaping due to internal catalysis.
- Obtained strong interfacial adhesion to tinplate (7.9 MPa) and wood (4.6 MPa) with heat-triggered debonding.
- Process achieved 100% atom economy and >98% bio-based content, avoiding volatile organics and metal catalysts.
Conclusions:
- Established a sustainable and efficient paradigm for transforming lignin waste into high-performance, circular materials.
- The developed CANs offer a promising alternative to conventional plastics, addressing sustainability challenges.
- The closed-loop repolymerization capability highlights the potential for true material circularity.
