Abstract
Synopsis The direct conversion of low-grade woody biomass into useful thermoplastic polymers by chemical modification is illustrated for steam exploded yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) fibers that are esterified in a cellulose-swelling medium. The resulting melt-flowable wood ester mixture was found to be subject to reshaping by melt-processing techniques, or it could optionally be separated into its polymeric constituents (cellulose ester and lignin ester) by choice of appropriate nonsolvent during recovery. The reaction conditions provide for the generation of a thermoplastic cellulose ester/lignin ester mixture with single glass transition temperature that was found to vary with both degree of substitution and lignin content. The esterification and optional fractionation of steam exploded wood is perceived as a possibly simple and inexpensive route to thermoplastic structural polymers from wood.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
