Fabricating Robust Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives from Lignin Depolymerization-Derived 4-Propanol-Tethered Guaiacol

Abstract

This study presents a novel approach for fabricating high-performance pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) using spruce tree lignin. Through a lignin-first strategy, lignin is selectively depolymerized into 4-propanol-tethered guaiacol, followed by amination, acrylamidation, and copolymerization with n-butyl acrylate (BA) to generate polymeric materials. The resulting lignin-derived PSAs exhibit excellent mechanical properties, achieving a peel strength of up to 4.4 N cm⁻¹ and a tack strength of up to 3.9 N cm⁻¹, surpassing those of several commercial products. This work provides a unique pathway to sustainable, high-performance PSA solutions to meet growing industrial demand.