In this LigDYN project, lignin oil obtained by Reductive Catalytic Fractionation (RCF), a game changing lignocellulose biorefining process, will be functionalized for further incorporation in three major types of Covalent Adaptive Networks (CAN). The RCF technology will be further developed in this project and current RCF lignin oils are one of the best molecularly characterized lignin types, containing mostly mono- and oligomeric phenolics which ensure a lower viscosity than generally seen for other available lignin types. Such oils are thus ideal for downstream functionalization research, and present a clear inmprovement over other available types of lignin. Both dissociative and associative CANs will be explored in thermoreversibe thermoset resins for more sustainable coatings and adhesives. As a starting point, we will improve from an environmental viewpoint the lignin-based Diels-Alder
dissociative thermosets developed earlier, by avoiding the use of solvents. Next to that, two up to now not explored associative thermoset lignin chemistries will be developed, namely reversible imine chemistry and reversible β‑amino ester chemistry. An extensive comparison of all approaches will be made. In this way, optimal chemistries will be proposed for the further development of sustainable (anticorrosive) coatings as well as adhesives, truly sustainable because not only are these materials biobased, due to the incorporation of lignin into the network structure, but the reversible nature ensures the ability
to reprocess, reshape, and recycle. Such materials hold great promise as alternatives for conventional phenolic resins, as is evident by the broad
interest from industrial partners, leading to an industrial user committee with companies from the whole value chain of both coatings and adhesives.