Purpose Here, diazo coupling reaction was imparted on chemically inert lignin isolated from natural resources. Activated lignin was coupled with the diazotised aniline, m-nitroaniline, p-nitroaniline-, and p-anisidine gives organic pigments. Design/methodology/approach The continuous increase in particle size of pigments confirms addition of diazotised salt to lignin by coupling reaction. Further, the dispersing ability of these coloured pigments were exploited in polymer matrix. Epoxy-polyamine cross linking system was doped with difference percentage of pigments and coated on mild steel metal surface. The morphology of these composites was understood by SEM, particle size, differential scanning calorimeter and thermo gravimetric analysis. Findings The synthesised organic pigments were characterised by FT-IR, H-1 NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy. It was observed that hiding power of aniline- and m-nitroaniline-based azo pigments was more than p-nitroaniline- and p-anisidine-based azo pigments. Thermal properties as well as water contact angles of coatings were improved with pigment concentration. The chemical resistivity of coating was observed to be improved with the increasing % of lignin-based azo pigment. Originality/value Lignin-based azo pigment has great potential to replace metal oxide pigment and provide strategy for utilisation of lingo-cellulosic biowaste material.
