Functionalized lignin model compounds utilized in bio-based resins

Composite materials that incorporate thermosetting matrix resins with high strength and high thermal resistance utilized in a wide-variety of industrial and governmental applications are derived primarily from petrochemical feedstocks and produce environmental toxins through most stages of chemicals and materials manufacturing. Recent developments in bio-based composite resins include fatty acid vinyl esters and acrylated or maleinized soybean oil; however, these resins have reduced glass transition temperatures relative to commercial vinyl ester and UPE resins which limits their use. Additionally, these resins often incorporate petroleum-based reactive diluents in order to have a viscosity that is amicable for molding operations and to increase overall performance. Lignin is an abundant renewable resource that is a copious waste product of the paper and pulping industry. The high aromatic content found in lignin would be ideal for the development of novel resin systems for commercial applications. Functionalized lignin model compounds synthesized and employed as alternative bio-based monomers in liquid molding resins are presented. The incorporation of aromaticity to the chemical structure of a resin is known to drastically improve the mechanical performance and increase the glass transition temperature of materials; therefore, lignin model compounds seem to be excellent choices.