Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
10:22
Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer
Published on: November 30, 2020
A Mortise-Tenon Inspired, Recyclable Lignin-Based Vitrimer Solid Adhesive Achieving High-Performance and
Tianyuan Xiao1,2, Lu Wu1, Zhewen Zhang1
1The Key Laboratory of High Value Utilization of Botanical Resources of China Light Industry, Liaoning Key Lab of Lignocellulose Chemistry and Biomaterials, the Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Paper and Pulp Engineering. College of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, Liaoning, China.
Biomacromolecules
|May 28, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel lignin-based vitrimer solid adhesive (LVSA) using green chemistry. The developed eco-friendly adhesive offers high strength, recyclability, and flame retardancy, promoting sustainable material utilization.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Green Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Conventional adhesives often use toxic reagents like phenol and formaldehyde, leading to irreversible networks.
- There is a growing need for sustainable and recyclable adhesives with high performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-strength, recyclable, and multifunctional green adhesive from lignin.
- To explore the potential of lignin-based vitrimer solid adhesives (LVSA) for sustainable applications.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of highly reactive uncondensed lignin using a green solvent.
- Epoxidation of lignin for nanoscale formation, followed by copolymerization with dithiol borate.
- Incorporation of polyethylene glycol to create a covalent adaptable network for the LVSA.
Main Results:
- The developed VD3H3 adhesive achieved dry and wet bonding strengths of 19.16 MPa and 11.70 MPa on bamboo strips, respectively.
- The LVSA demonstrated excellent thermal processability, recyclability, and photothermal conversion capabilities.
- The adhesive exhibited a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 43.8% due to its gas-phase-solid-phase flame-retardant mechanism.
Conclusions:
- This research presents a viable strategy for creating high-performance, eco-friendly lignin-based adhesives.
- The developed LVSA offers a sustainable alternative to conventional adhesives, enabling high-value utilization of lignin.
- The multifunctional properties of the LVSA open avenues for advanced material applications.
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