Preparation of nano disperse dyes using sulfomethylated lignin: Effects of sulfonic group contents.

The molecular simulation software was firstly applied to analyze the adsorption of sulfomethylated lignin (SAL) on dye surfaces. Then, SALs with different sulfonic group contents were prepared and characterized by FTIR, NMR, EA and GPC measurements using alkali lignin (AL) as raw materials and sodium sulfite as sulfonating agents. Next, SAL was determined to the optimum dispersant by TSI, particle size and thermal storage stability measurements, which had the smallest particle size of 173 nm and highest stability, comparable to the commercial Reax 85A lignin dispersant and basically satisfying the requirement of nano disperse dyes used in the digital printing technology. QCM, AFM and zeta potential results indicated that as the sulfonic group content of SAL increased, the adsorption mass, rigidity of the adsorbed layer, adsorption force and absolute zeta potential value all showed a gradually increasing tendency due to an enhanced hydrophilicity, and thus a decreased intermolecular agglomeration and an increased molecular chain stretching degree. A maximum was observed for SAL. This research not only provided a novel approach to the preparation of high-performance lignin dispersants for nano disperse dyes, but also would broaden the high value-added industrial applications of biomass lignin into the digital printing and dyeing field.