Abstract
Epoxidized lignin (EL) was synthesized by the reaction of steam-exploded lignin (L) with epichlorohydrin. The structure of EL was examined by FT－IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Epoxy groups were introduced into lignin structure.Moreover, the EL was cross-linked with two kinds of curing agents, petroleum-derived phenol novolac (PN) or Lrespectively. Thermal properties of cured EL resins were evaluated by thermogravimetry analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. Comparison to cured conventional epoxy resin derived from petroleum, the EL resins cross-linked with PN or Lshowed higher glass transition temperature and higher char yield at 800℃. In case of L-cured EL resin, the lignin content in the cured resin reached 89wt%. It is expected that EL could be used as a biomass-based epoxy thermosseting resin.
