Biorefinery lignins - A feedstock for chemicals and materials

The rapid expansion of bioethanol production will, in addition to fermentation of sugar and starch sources, also involve a conversion of lignocellulosic materials. In addition to carbohydrates, this will result in large amounts of lignin which can be used as process fuel but also serve as a feedstock for chemicals. Modern kraft mills constitute a second source of lignin since the energy balance is such that a partial outtake of lignin can be permitted. Irrespective of source, technical lignins must be upgraded, e.g. by purification in order to acquire properties which make them suitable as feedstock in value-added products.
QC 20150602