In collaboration with project partners, researchers from the Fraunhofer WKI developed synthesis methods in order to enable the incorporation of the lignin into various adhesives. One first step was to liquefy the lignin, which is accrued as a powdery solid, in order to improve processability. A further step involves being able to control and modify the functional groups of lignin in order to influence the interactions with other adhesive components and substrates. In this way, it was possible to produce, for example, soft, wax-like lignin polyethers.
Through variation of the polyether chains, the researchers were able to adjust the viscosity of the lignin adhesives over a wide range. Furthermore, it was possible to increase the polarity of the binder in order to process them into EPI adhesives in an aqueous system. Formulated EPI adhesives achieved a value of over 4 N/mm² in the D4 test in accordance with EN 204/205. Hot-melt systems, polyurethane dispersions, and 1C and 2C polyurethane adhesives were also investigated in addition to the lignin.