A New Class of Renewable Thermoplastics with Extraordinary Performance from Nanostructured Lignin‐Elastomers. (22nd March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tran, Chau D.; Chen, Jihua; Keum, Jong K.; Naskar, Amit K.
• Is Part Of: Advanced functional materials. Volume 26:Number 16(2016)
• Page Start: 2677
• Page End: 2685
• Publication Date: 2016-03-22
• Subjects: elastomers -- lignin -- nanostructured morphology -- recyclable polymers -- renewable thermoplastics; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201504990
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1616-301X

Abstract

Abstract : A new class of thermoplastic elastomers has been created by introducing nanoscale‐dispersed lignin (a biomass‐derived phenolic oligomer) into nitrile rubber. Temperature‐induced controlled miscibility between the lignin and the rubber during high shear melt‐phase synthesis allows tuning the material's morphology and performance. The sustainable product has unprecedented yield stress (15–45 MPa), strain hardens at large deformation, and has outstanding recyclability. The multiphase polymers developed from an equal‐mass mixture of a melt‐stable lignin fraction and nitrile rubber with optimal acrylonitrile content, using the method described here, show 5–100 nm lignin lamellae with a high‐modulus rubbery interphase. Molded or printed elastomeric products prepared from the lignin‐nitrile material offer an additional revenue stream to pulping mills and biorefineries. Abstract : A novel and powerful method for synthesizing a new class of high‐performance renewable thermoplastic elastomers is introduced. This new class of multiphase polymers shows 5–100 nm thick interconnected lignin lamellae with a high modulus rubbery interphase. The success in developing this unique morphology is the key innovation behind this first report on lignin‐based elastomers with unique yield stress.