Production of polyurethane elastomer from highly reactive acetic acid lignin‐derived polyols with reduced molecular weights

Abstract Highly reactive polyols were prepared from modified acetic acid lignin (AAL) by a two‐step combination of mild hydrothermal degradation and hydroxylation. The AAL‐based polyols became relatively reactive and compatible with diisocyanate, with a reduction in the number average molecular weight (M n ) from 2923 to 684 g/mol and an increase in the hydroxyl content from 5.21 to 9.13 mmol/g. The mechanical performance and thermal properties of the AAL‐based polyurethane elastomers (LPUEs) strongly depended on the molecular weight and hydroxyl content of the AAL‐based polyols in the partial substitution of polytetramethylethylene ether glycol (PTMEG). This study proposed the prospective utilization of AAL as an alternative resource in the synthesis of polymers and biomaterials. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.