Acrylated lignin derivatives

This study examines the synthesis of acrylated lignin derivatives using IEM, and the copolymerization characteristics of these derivatives with methylmethacrylate (MMA) and styrene (S). 

Acrylated lignin derivatives were copolymerized with MMA and S in dry methylene chloride with benzoyl peroxide and N,N-dimethyl anyline as catalyst. Reaction mixtures were poured onto Teflon molds, the solvent was evaporated at room temperature in the fume hood, and films were cured in an oven at 105°C for 6 hrs. Experimental details and results are given elsewhere (15). 

Solvent soluble and liquid (i.e., tars with Tg below ambient) acrylated lignin derivatives have been formulated by reaction of hydroxyalkyl lignin derivatives with isocyanotoethyl methacrylate (IEM). 

Figure 6. Relationship between gel fraction and vinyl equivalent weight of several acrylated lignin derivatives. (40 wt. % lignin acrylate and 60 wt. % MMA).

Acrylated lignin derivatives were copolymerized with vinyl monomers to yield network materials (gels) with gel fraction declining as vinyl equivalent weight increased. 

Acrylated lignin derivatives are viewed as a new and promising class of functional macromers from lignin useful for the formulation of block and segmented copolymers. 

Although most previous research on the use of lignin in structural polymers has dealt with its contribution to polyphenolics and polyurethanes (8), alternatives for crosslinking it with other polymer systems exist as well. These have been summarized recently (9). Among these alternatives are lignin derivatives with acrylate functionality. 

Internal treatment-related problems may take the form of organic material present in deposits of iron oxide corrosion debris and salt scales. The material typically is present as carbonized organic components and may originate from water treatment chemicals such as quebracho, wattle, pymgallol, or other tannin derivatives. Also, acrylates, starches, sulfonated lignins, and other sludge dispersants may be present. 

Derivatives of Lignin and Ligninlike Models with Acrylate Functionality... 

Proposed polysaccharide-derived materials as biodegradable fillers include a variety of starches, cellulose, lignin, sawdust, casein, mannitol, lactose, and other materials. These fillers have been tried in compositions of as much as 80% in a wide range of synthetic resins, including PE, PP, PS, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, PVC, and vinyl alcohol copolymers. Often additional additives such as fatty acids and processing aids are incorporated to improve the biodegradability of the finished product. Starch-based polymers are discussed further in Chapter 3 of this handbook. 

---