Films based on lignin produced in biorefineries and lignocellulosic fibers: composites of poly (lignophenolic) and poly (lignourethanes)

• Grant number: 11/11008-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2012
• Effective date (End): June 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Elisabete Frollini
• Grantee: Cristina Gomes da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 12/05994-1 - Structure and physical properties of films obtained from polyurethanes renewable sources, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

In recent decades, many efforts have been made for the development of polymeric materials in which lignin is used in its formulation, in order to find new alternatives to petrochemicals and their derivatives. Currently, the use of lignin is even more important, and has received great attention worldwide, due to the fact that it corresponds to a byproduct of biorefineries that produce ethanol from the cellulose present in lignocellulosic fibers. The possibility of using lignin as a macromonomer for the synthesis of poly (lignophenols) is a consequence of the type of phenolic rings present in its structure. The possibility of synthesis of poly (lignourethanes), is consequence of the presence of alcoholic hydroxyl groups in its structure, allowing the substitution of diols or polyols commonly used in the synthesis of polyurethane. In this project, poly (lignophenols) and poly (lignourethanes) will be prepared, mainly targeting the application of these materials in the preparation of films. A detailed exploration of synthesis parameters will be made, including the use of sonochemistry, in order to obtain products and materials that can be dissolved in order to prepare films by dissolution/evaporation of solvents. Additionally, it is also intended to prepare films [poly (lignophenols), poly (lignourethanes)] reinforced by lignocellulosic fibers [diverse scales, up to nanometer, in this case prepared via electrospinning]. Fibers widely available in the country will be preferred, seeking add value to these fibers. In view of the presence of groups with similar polarities in both, films and fibers, it is expected that films-type composites with good mechanical properties will be obtained. The raw materials, as well as the films prepared, will be characterized via conventional techniques used in this area.To the best of our knowledge, the approach envisaged in this project is unprecedented. (AU)