Self‐crosslinkable lignin/epoxidized natural rubber composites

Self‐crosslinkable lignin/epoxidized natural rubber composites (SLEs) were prepared through a high‐temperature dynamic heat treatment procedure followed by a postcuring process. Because of the ring‐opening reaction between lignin and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), lignin as a crosslinker and reinforcing filler was uniformly dispersed into the ENR matrix and was highly compatible with the polymer matrix; this was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The curing behavior, mechanical properties, and dynamic mechanical properties of the SLEs were studied. The results show that the crosslinking degree, glass‐transition temperature, modulus, and tensile properties of the SLEs substantially increased with the addition of lignin. A physical model was used to verify the strong interactions between lignin and ENR. Stress–strain curves and X‐ray diffraction suggested that the reinforcement effect on the SLEs mainly originated from lignin itself rather than from strain‐induced crystallization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41166.