Lignin derivatives with acrylate

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. 

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). 

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

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). 

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

---