Production of polyurethane elastomer from highly reactive acetic acid lignin-derived polyols with reduced molecular weights

Highly reactive polyols were prepared from modified acetic acid lignin (AAL) by a two-step combination of mild hydrothermal degradation and hydroxylation. The AAL-based polyols became relatively reactive and compatible with diisocyanate, with a reduction in the number average molecular weight (M n ) from 2923 to 684 g/mol and an increase in the hydroxyl content from 5.21 to 9.13 mmol/g. The mechanical performance and thermal properties of the AAL-based polyurethane elastomers (LPUEs) strongly depended on the molecular weight and hydroxyl content of the AAL-based polyols in the partial substitution of polytetramethylethylene ether glycol (PTMEG). This study proposed the prospective utilization of AAL as an alternative resource in the synthesis of polymers and biomaterials. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.