The Influence of Lignin Diversity on the Structural and Thermal Properties of Polymeric Microspheres Derived from Lignin, Styrene, and/or Divinylbenzene

Abstract

This work investigates the impact of lignin origin and structural characteristics, such as molecular weight and functionality, on the properties of corresponding porous biopolymeric microspheres obtained through suspension-emulsion polymerization of lignin with styrene (St) and/or divinylbenzene (DVB). Two types of kraft lignin, which are softwood (Picea abies L.) and hardwood (Eucalyptus grandis), fractionated by common industrial solvents, and related methacrylates, were used in the synthesis. The presence of the appropriate functional groups in the lignins and in the corresponding microspheres were investigated by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR/FT-IR), while the thermal properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The texture of the microspheres was characterized using low-temperature nitrogen adsorption. The swelling studies were performed in typical organic solvents and distilled water. The shapes of the microspheres were confirmed with an optical microscope. The introduction of lignin into a St and/or DVB polymeric system made it possible to obtain highly porous functionalized microspheres that increase their sorption potential. Lignin methacrylates created a polymer network with St and DVB, whereas the unmodified lignin acted mainly as an eco-friendly filler in the pores of St-DVB or DVB microspheres. The incorporation of biopolymer into the microspheres could be a promising alternative to a modification of synthetic materials and a better utilization of lignin.

The Eco-Friendly Biochar and Valuable Bio-Oil from Caragana korshinskii: Pyrolysis Preparation, Characterization, and Adsorption Applications

“…There are the similar rules in Figure 2 F–J and Figure 2 K–O. These pores are an important basis for biochar to have larger surface area and stronger adsorption performance [ 18 , 42 ]. Comparing Figure 2 A,F,K, it is found that the images are very similar, which shows that pyrolysis time has little effect on the pore structure of CB.…”

Effect of Lignin Modification on Properties of Kenaf Core Fiber Reinforced Poly(Butylene Succinate) Biocomposites

“…Another confirmation of the occurrence of maleation reaction is a peak observed around 1621 cm −1 in modified lignin. It corresponds to the addition of a double bond C=C of maleic anhydride [24]. An intensified peak near 1159 cm −1 corresponding to C-O symmetric stretching also confirms the occurrence of maleation [25].…”

Special Issue: “Environmentally Friendly Polymeric Blends from Renewable Sources”

“…This issue includes five articles on polyurethanes blended with various types of additives [1][2][3][4][5], of which two papers discusses the polyurethane systems partly prepared from naturally-derived components, such as lignin [5] or naturally-derived polyols [4]. Four papers discuss the preparation of synthetic unsaturated polyester resins reinforced with natural fillers [6][7][8][9], and two other papers are focused on the modification of polyolefins (PE,PP) to improve their strength properties [10,11]. One work is concerned with the preparation of biochar and bio-oil from biomass, where the potential uses of both types of products are discussed [12]; the other paper considers the modification of cotton linter for use as efficient adsorbent for the phosphate.…”

“…The paper of Goliszek, Podkościelna, Sevastyanova, Gawdzik, and Chabros ("The Influence of Lignin Diversity on the Structural and Thermal Properties of Polymeric Microspheres Derived from Lignin, Styrene, and/or Divinylbenzene" [9]) investigates the impact of lignin influence on the properties of the porous biopolymeric microspheres. It was found that the materials have a high thermal resistance and the incorporation of methacrylated lignin into the microspheres resulted in an increase of specific surface area and porosity.…”