Modification of organofluorosilicone styrene–acrylate emulsions with lignin participation and characterization of their properties

Abstract

In this study, we present a method to enhance the hydrophobic properties of organofluorosilicon styrene–acrylate emulsions while simultaneously reducing their environmental pollutional, and assess their potential for applications in oil–water separation materials, waterproof coatings, and related fields. We achieved this by developing organofluorosilicon styrene–acrylate emulsions with core–shell interpenetration properties through a meticulously designed preemulsified semicontinuous seed emulsion polymerization process. In addition, we have added sodium lignosulfonate, a green and renewable material, to the polymerization process to further enhance the environmental sustainability of these emulsions. A comprehensive characterization of the lignin-modified emulsions was conducted using various techniques, including assessments of storage stability, centrifugal stability, ionic stability, water contact angle, thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The findings revealed that the lignin-modified emulsions exhibited similar stability to conventional phenylpropylene emulsions in terms of Ca²⁺, mechanical, and storage stability, while demonstrating notably enhanced thermal stability and hydrophobicity. Significantly, immersion of filter paper in the modified emulsion resulted in filter paper with markedly improved hydrophobic properties, while retaining surface pores and preserving filter capacity. This underscores the potential of lignin-modified emulsions for application in oil–water separation materials. Furthermore, this innovation led to a noteworthy 50% reduction in the usage of organofluorosilicone monomers, thereby mitigating potential hazards and environmental pollution associated with their use. Our utilization of sodium lignosulfonate as a modifier for organofluorosilicon styrene–acrylate emulsions represents a novel and promising approach for applications in oil–water separation and waterproof coatings. The integration of green and sustainable materials has significantly advanced environmentally friendly solutions, fostering more eco-conscious practices in industrial and commercial applications.