Issue 18, 2024

Lignin-based vitrimers: valorization and utilization of lignin in high-value applications

Abstract

The research efforts directed towards addressing the environmental issues and non-recyclability of conventional plastics has triggered great attention for vitrimers as a new type of renewable plastic. Vitrimers are characterized by dynamic covalent linkages that impart strong chemical resistance and strength similar to that of thermosets, while enabling reprocessability under specific conditions. The past decade has witnessed the development of various vitrimeric chemistries that are applicable to a broad range of bio-based prepolymers with application in vitrimer synthesis. This review aims to provide an overview of the recently reported lignin-based vitrimers, laying emphasis on their thermal–mechanical properties, potential applications based on their properties, and their dynamic bond exchange mechanisms. Furthermore, important features of bio-based vitrimers such as self-healing, shape memory, renewability, and reprocessability will be discussed. Some key modifications of lignin, which are necessary to improve its compatibility with other materials and targeted vitrimeric chemistry, will also be highlighted.

Graphical abstract: Lignin-based vitrimers: valorization and utilization of lignin in high-value applications

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
16 3月 2024
Accepted
16 6月 2024
First published
16 7月 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 7075-7096

Lignin-based vitrimers: valorization and utilization of lignin in high-value applications

P. K. Karoki, S. Zhang, Y. Pu and A. J. Ragauskas, Mater. Adv., 2024, 5, 7075 DOI: 10.1039/D4MA00281D

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