Chemical functionalization of Kraft lignin with selected oxyethylated alcohols: From crude lignin towards novel multifunctional lignin biocomponents

The reaction of Kraft lignin with selected glycidyl ethers of oxyethylated alcohols has been achieved and opening an innovative pathway for the obtaining of novel lignin-derived biomaterials. The new biomaterials were characterized by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), optical microscopy and thermal analyses (TG/DSC). The reaction of glycidyl ethers with lignin was confirmed by detailed analysis of FTIR spectroscopy. By chemical modification of the basic lignin structure in accordance with the method described in this communication, a new lignin-derived biomaterial with increased polyfunctionality was obtained. Standard and well-known functional centers of lignin have been enriched with new functional centers (hydrophobic alkyl chain and hydrophilic segment based on oxyethylene oligomer), which may expand the fields of potential applications of the new lignin-derived functional biocomponents for PE/PP-type polymers and coating composite materials.