Enzymatic oxidation and reticulation of lignin/lignosulfonates with phenolic compounds for epoxy resins production

• Grant number: 22/09174-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Andre Luis Ferraz
• Grantee: Henrique César Pereira Coelho
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The lignocellulosic material biorefineries are suitable for production of fuels and chemicals, considering lignocellulose abundance in agroindustrial residues. Cellulose and hemicellulose conversion into monosaccharides and other chemical feedstocks is currently well developed. However, lignin fraction is still underutilized, with main use associated with combustion for steam and energy production. Alternative uses for lignin and its derivatives include production epoxy resins, aiming the replacement of petrochemical components with high toxicity, such as bisfenol A. A challenge, however, for this approach reside in the low phenolic hydroxyl content in lignins. To address this problem, the current project aims to increase the phenolic hydroxyl contents of lignin and lignosulfonates by enzymatic modification including cross-linking with small phenolic compounds mediated by laccase from Trametes versicolor. The experimental approach will use different reaction systems that include rapid or slow and continuous enzyme addition to the reaction media. The reaction products will be structurally characterized and subjected to subsequent epoxidation reactions and crosslinking with aliphatic amines to produce epoxy resins useful for adhesion of wood fibers and veneers.

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

COELHO, Henrique César Pereira. Synthesis and characterization of epoxy resins derived from vanillyl alcohol and lignosulfonate. 2024. Master's Dissertation - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ciência e Engenharia dos Materiais (IFS/EES) Lorena.