Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a new, stretchy, plant-derived material that outperforms the adhesiveness of the natural chemical that gives mussels the ability to stick to rocks and ships.
This bio-based material—composed of lignin (the substance that gives plants sturdiness) and epoxy—can self-heal and elongate up to 2,000%. Converting lignin into well- defined compounds is often challenged by structural complexation and inorganic contamination induced by the pulping process.
To achieve these results, researchers developed a unique method to extract a specific form of lignin. Instead of breaking down lignin into small molecules, we extracted a uniform and rigid oligomer from the lignin waste stream. The multifunctional polyphenol oligomer containing carboxylic acid, alcohol, and phenol groups is highly reactive and brings stiffness into the material matrix.
![wImage.php](https://renewable-carbon.eu/news/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/wImage.php_5.png)
The resulting molecular structure creates a super-sticky, Tough, super-sticky elastomers are economically prepared from this oligomer by a reaction with epoxy-terminated polyethylene glycol, without needing any solvent. The highly elastic material can heal quickly, where broken, through hydrogen bonding
This extracted lignin shows promise for a range of industrial applications including coatings, glues, and hydrogels. The results, published in ACS Macro Letters, demonstrate new potential for a small, but high-value portion of the lignin waste stream from biorefineries and the pulp and paper industry.
Source
Bioplastics MAGAZINE, 2019-05-21.
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