The comprehensive synthesis and characterization of a ligninbased
epoxy nanocomposite have been demonstrated. The
cleavage of DHE methoxyl gives rise to a dihydroxyl
compound, which makes it possible for glycidylation and
cross-linking. The whole synthesis process, from demethylation
to glycidylation and subsequent cross-linking, was complementarily
represented from 1
H NMR and FTIR spectra. The curing
of epoxy/amine system can be catalyzed by hydroxyl groups in
DHE, DHEO, and nanoclay, as inferred from the variation of
IR intensity, DSC exothermic peak, and activation energy. The
DHE-based epoxy modified with nanoclay exhibits improved
thermal and mechanical properties as compared to the neat
epoxy polymer. The high-performance and easily prepared
lignin-based epoxy nanocomposite from DHE provides a route