Síntesis y caracterización de copolímeros de glicina y lignina extraída de retamo espinoso (Ulex europaeus)

Abstract

This research consisted in the lignin extraction from the Ulex europaeus bush (Retamo espinoso) for further condensation polymerization with glicine through the solution method, using hydrogen peroxide and calcium chloride as catalysts and initiators reaction and 70% dioxane as solvent. The synthesized polymer conducted degradability studies in composted to corroborate their biodegradability. By FTIR spectroscopy it was characterized and identified the extracted lignin and the synthesized polymer, thus tensions and bends characteristic from hydroxyl, aromatic groups, carbonyl and ether were evidenced in the case of lignin, and hydroxyl, amine, amide, aromatic, alkenes and ether to the case of the polymer. Finally, by simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) peaks corresponding to decomposition and dehydration reactions, endothermic processes and a melting point of 258.71 °C were evidenced. Based on the obtained results it is possible to affirm that a new polymeric material, crosslinked, thermoset and high degree of crystallinity from renewable materials was synthesised; thus contributing to the solution of the problems of the invasion of gorse and polymeric materials pollution.