Synthesis of Lignin Nanofibers with Ionic-Responsive Shells: Water-Expandable Lignin-Based Nanofibrous Mats

A series of ionic responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) surface modified lignin nanofiber mats were prepared by aqueous surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). PNIPAM brushes with various molecular weights, thickness, and grafting densities were immobilized on electrospun lignin nanofiber mats by adjusting initial, monomer concentration and surface initiator density. ATR-FTIR, SEM, TGA, XPS, and water contact angle measurements confirmed successful surface modification. Analysis of the PNIPAM-modified lignin nanofiber mats (Lig-PN) found that the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) was similar to that of PNIPAM and demonstrated ionic responsive characteristics With increasing ionic concentration, the water contact angles of the Lig-PN increased correspondingly. AFM images showed that the PNIPAM on the lignin nanofiber mat surface expanded and contracted on 0.5 M Na2SO4.