concept

lignin

Also known as: lignins

Facts (86)

Sources
Recent breakthroughs in the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass ... pubs.rsc.org Nilanjan Dey, Shakshi Bhardwaj, Pradip K. Maji · RSC Sustainability Jun 7, 2025 57 facts
procedureFarias et al. demonstrated that plasma therapy using air or pure oxygen removes the amorphous lignin layer on the surface of coir fibers. This process decreases the lignin-to-cellulose ratio, resulting in improved mechanical strength of the fibers.
claimBoquera et al. developed a plaster composite using gypsum and lignin, finding that mechanical properties are optimal at 50–70% lignin content, while acoustic performance decreases as lignin content increases.
claimBilba et al. utilized lignin extracted from sugarcane bagasse to reinforce concrete, finding that the incorporation of lignin delayed the setting time of the concrete while enhancing the hydration temperature.
claimLignin is utilized in coatings and adhesives due to its hydrophobic nature.
claimIn lignin-starch-based foams, replacing 20 wt% of the starch with lignin improves water-resistivity, elastic modulus, and thermal behaviors without adverse effects on morphological features.
claimHemicellulose functions in plant cell walls by binding cellulose with lignin to provide structural rigidity, while also imparting flexibility and porosity.
claimLignin and cellulose possess UV-blocking capacity, which is useful in light management due to their ability to scatter and absorb light (ref. 256).
referenceC. Scarica et al. utilized lignin functionalized with succinic anhydride as a building block for biobased thermosetting polyester coatings, as published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (2018).
procedureYeo et al. utilized lignin modified with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane to process a composite with polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride using the melt-bending method.
measurementThe thermosetting polyester coating fabricated by Scarica et al. using high-lignin content exhibits a hardness of approximately 0.6 GPa.
referenceDe Farias et al. utilized plasma treatment to remove surface lignin on coir fibers, which improved adhesion in thermoplastic starch composites in 2017.
claimThe construction industry utilizes lignin for hydrophobic coatings, binding agents, and adhesive-related applications.
measurementPolyurethane-based coatings incorporate a maximum of 20–30 wt% lignin, as higher amounts can introduce brittleness and diminish mechanical strength.
measurementWood modified by Yu et al. with lignin, phytic acid, and melamine-urea-glyoxal resin demonstrated a 56.8% reduction in heat release, a 92.3% decrease in smoke generation, and an improvement in Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) from 23.6% in natural wood to 41.5% in the modified sample.
claimLiu et al. claim that lignin extracted from Tobacco stalks via their hydrothermal and pre-treatment process is ideal for bio-based composites because it contains a large number of phenol groups and high carbon content.
measurementCement composites reinforced with lignin extracted from sugarcane bagasse exhibit thermal stability up to 450 °C, as revealed by DSC studies.
referenceThe study 'Recent breakthroughs in the valorization of lignocellulosic biomass' examines environmental crises in construction, advocates for sustainable material alternatives like cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, silica, bamboo, and cork, and details technologies for valorizing lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) through extraction and purification.
procedureWang et al. prepared a lignin-based coating with self-healing properties by mixing aniline and ammonium persulfate with lignin, which created dynamic S–S bonds.
referenceL. Boquera et al. investigated the thermo-acoustic and mechanical properties of bio-based plasters that utilize lignin, a by-product of biomass extraction, for green building applications.
referenceBarana et al. (2016) published 'Biorefinery Process for the Simultaneous Recovery of Lignin, Hemicelluloses, Cellulose Nanocrystals and Silica from Rice Husk and Arundo Donax' in Industrial Crops and Products, describing a method to extract multiple components from agricultural residues.
claimLignocellulosic biomass contains several key components, including cellulose, silica, lignin, and hemicellulose.
referenceMahmood, Yuan, Schmidt, and Xu (2016) reviewed the depolymerization of lignins and their applications in preparing polyols and rigid polyurethane foams.
claimThe scientific community utilizes lignin for the synthesis of resins, foams, membranes, coatings, and thermoplastics.
claimThe lignin-derived hard carbon material developed by Long et al. serves as a precursor for resins with tunable porosity.
claimThe fire-extinguishing mechanism of wood modified by Yu et al. with lignin, phytic acid, and melamine-urea-glyoxal resin involves a synergistic gas and solid phase process: the lignin generates a dense char layer acting as a physical barrier, while the gas phase involves the release of CO2 and nitrogen/phosphorus-containing gases that dilute oxygen and inhibit combustion chain reactions.
measurementPolyester coatings typically maintain a low proportion of lignin (1–5 wt%) to avoid plasticizing and heterogeneous effects.
referenceMazumder and Zhang (2023) investigate the interaction between cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in the secondary cell wall of coconut endocarp in the journal Biomimetics.
claimCellulose and silica are the most frequently observed materials used for thermal insulation, with additional research available on the use of hemicellulose and lignin.
referenceGuo, Shen, Xiao, and Zhao (2011) conducted an experimental study on biomass pyrolysis focusing on the three major components: hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin.
measurementIn phenol-formaldehyde resins, 20–40 wt% of lignin is generally used as a substitute for formaldehyde to maintain mechanical properties and enhance reaction kinetics.
claimThe key features of lignin include a highly branched structure, hydrophobic nature, and irregular crosslinking.
referenceSun, Jing, Fowler, Wu, and Rajaratnam (2011) performed structural characterization and isolation of lignin and hemicelluloses from barley straw.
referenceRuwoldt, Blindheim, and Chinga-Carrasco (2023) provided a critical review of functional surfaces, films, and coatings derived from lignin.
claimBio-coatings and adhesives are typically hydrophobic materials that utilize lignin more extensively than cellulose.
claimLong et al. developed a lignin-derived hard carbon material with hybrid sp2-sp3 bonding by incorporating microcrystalline units of graphene to generate sp2 fragments.
measurementSupercritical-CO2 (Sc-CO2) pretreatment improves the solubilization of lignin for Organosolv extraction to a range of 49% to 79%.
claimLignin is a polyphenolic complex organic compound found in plant cell walls and serves as the third main component of lignocellulosic biomass.
procedureLiu et al. developed a method to extract pure lignin from Tobacco stalks using a hydrothermal process with phosphotungstic acid to selectively remove hemicellulose. The hydrothermal process occurs at 170 °C for 1 hour, while the pretreatment with 1% (w/v) phosphotungstic acid occurs at 130 °C for 1 hour. Following these steps, an alkali treatment with 14% NaOH and 0.5% Anthraquinone is performed to extract lignin through black liquor.
claimLignin consists of three primary building blocks known as phenylpropane units: p-coumaryl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol, and sinapyl alcohol.
claimScarica et al. fabricated a novel thermosetting polyester coating by utilizing lignin with succinic anhydride through ester bonding, which resulted in enhanced thermal stability.
procedureChoowang et al. synthesized a binder for plywood production by mixing glycerol and citric acid with lignin-rich palm kernel shells.
claimCement composites reinforced with 0–4 wt% of lignin extracted from slash pine showed improvements in fracture energy, modulus of rupture, lower water absorption capabilities, and dimensional stability.
referenceV. M. Serrano-Martínez, H. Pérez-Aguilar, M. P. Carbonell-Blasco, F. Arán-Ais, and E. Orgilés-Calpena developed a steam explosion-based method for extracting cellulose and lignin from rice straw waste, as published in Applied Sciences in 2024.
measurementMorton et al. found that incorporating 0–4 wt% of lignin extracted from slash pine into concrete increased flexural toughness from 1.69 kJ m−2 to 3.69 kJ m−2.
measurementThe annual dry biomass production and composition of various crops are as follows: Rice (905 million tons, 37.0% cellulose, 16.5% hemicellulose, 13.6% lignin, 19.8% ash), Wheat (62 million tons, 40.2% cellulose, 38.8% hemicellulose, 17.0% lignin, 2.3% ash), Maize (2724 million tons, 42.7% cellulose, 23.2% hemicellulose, 17.5% lignin, 6.8% ash), Sugarcane (1048 million tons, 41.1% cellulose, 22.7% hemicellulose, 31.4% lignin, 2.4% ash), Barley (23.46 million tons, 37.5% cellulose, 37.1% hemicellulose, 15.8% lignin, 4.2% ash), and Soybeans (60.28 million tons, 36.4% cellulose, 14.3% hemicellulose, 18.2% lignin, 4.2% ash).
measurementLignin-based epoxy coatings achieve optimum results at a 25 wt% proportion of lignin.
referenceSun, Sun, Fowler, and Baird (2005) extracted and characterized original lignin and hemicelluloses from wheat straw.
claimLignin provides rigidity to plant cell walls and water-repellent properties to plant bark and leaves.
referenceIsmail (2021) discusses the role of lignin as a sustainable reinforcement material in biopolymeric blends in the journal J. Mater. Res. Technol.
claimWang et al. developed a semi-synthetic coating for the protection of cementitious materials by incorporating lignin into a polyurethane matrix.
claimChoowang et al. recommend using 160–200 g m−2 of their lignin-based adhesive for optimal results in plywood production.
procedureAdil et al. fabricated Cellulose Long Filaments (CLF)-reinforced Vanillin Derived Epoxy (VDE) prepreg by compounding wood-based Cellulose Nano Fibers (CNF) and lignin with VDE using the hand lay-up technique, resulting in a composite with fire-retardant properties.
perspectiveFuture research on lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) should focus on the total utilization of biomass, including hemicellulose, bio-based silica, and pectin, rather than focusing primarily on cellulose and lignin.
imageFigure 2 in the source text provides an illustrative discussion regarding the structure, properties, and applications of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and silica.
referenceVarious sustainable insulating materials have been documented with specific thermal conductivities and features: Aerogel (Cellulose, Mg(OH)2) has a conductivity of 56–81 mW m−1 K−1 and is flame retardant; Aerogel (Cellulose) has a conductivity of 25.5 mW m−1 K−1 and is low density/high strength; High porosity wood (Cellulose) has a conductivity of 38 mW m−1 K−1 and is lightweight/noise reducing; Bamboo particle boards (Lignin, glue) have a conductivity of 101–201 mW m−1 K−1 and hygrothermal properties; Aerogel (Silica, lignin, ethylene glycol polymer) has a conductivity of 40 mW m−1 K−1 and is fire resistant/superhydrophobic; Aerogel (Silica) has a conductivity of 19–23 mW m−1 K−1 and is acoustic insulating; Aerogel (Konjac glucomannan, silica) has a conductivity of 21 mW m−1 K−1 and is ultralight/high strength/hydrophobic; Aerogel (Cellulose nanowhisker) has a conductivity of 45 mW m−1 K−1 and is flexible/flame retardant/high strength; Aerogel (Cellulose, PVA) has a conductivity of 31–42 mW m−1 K−1 and is ultralow density/high porosity/superhydrophobic; Aerogel (Cellulose, graphene confined-zirconium phosphate nanosheets) has a conductivity of 18 mW m−1 K−1 and is high strength/flame retardant; Aerogel (Bacterial cellulose) has a conductivity of 13 mW m−1 K−1 and is flexible; Foam (Wood fiber, phytic acid, polyethyleneimine) has a conductivity of 33.6–40 mW m−1 K−1 and is tough/flame retardant/self-extinguishing.
claimLignin is used as a water-reducing agent in cement composites.
claimHeat treatment at 200 °C enables cement composites reinforced with lignin extracted from sugarcane bagasse to exhibit properties similar to regular Portland cement.
A shift from synthetic to bio-based polymer for functionalization of ... ouci.dntb.gov.ua Tekalgn Mamay Daget, Bantamlak Birlie kassie, Dehenenet Flatie Tassew · Elsevier BV 16 facts
referenceAriyanta et al. published 'Recent progress on the development of lignin as future ingredient biobased cosmetics' in Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy (2022), discussing lignin as a component in cosmetics.
referenceMandlekar et al. published 'An overview on the use of lignin and its derivatives in fire retardant polymer systems' in Lignin-trends and Applications (2019), discussing lignin as a fire retardant in polymers.
referenceErfani Jazi et al. published 'Structure, chemistry and physicochemistry of lignin for material functionalization' in SN Applied Sciences (Volume 1), reviewing the properties of lignin relevant to material functionalization.
referenceGregorová's research in Polymer Degradation and Stability (2006) examines the stabilization effect of lignin when used in natural rubber.
referenceDomenek et al. published 'Potential of lignins as antioxidant additive in active biodegradable packaging materials' in Journal of Polymers and the Environment (2013), examining lignin's role in biodegradable packaging.
referenceŁukawski et al. published 'Flame retardant effect of lignin/carbon nanotubes/potassium carbonate composite coatings on cotton roving' in Cellulose (2020), detailing the use of lignin composites on textiles.
referenceJanković et al. published 'Structural and biological evaluation of lignin addition to simple and silver-doped hydroxyapatite thin films synthesized by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation' in Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine (2015), evaluating lignin in thin film synthesis.
referenceBertella et al. published 'Lignin functionalization for the production of novel materials' in Trends in Chemistry (2020), discussing methods to modify lignin for material science applications.
referenceKarunarathna et al. published 'Valorization of lignin as a sustainable component of structural materials and composites: advances from 2011 to 2019' in Sustainability (2020), reviewing lignin's use in structural composites.
referenceAbraham et al. published 'Lignin-based nanomaterials for food and pharmaceutical applications: recent trends and future outlook' in Science of The Total Environment (2023), detailing the use of lignin in food and medicine.
referenceAcha et al. published 'Lignin in jute fabric–polypropylene composites' in Journal of Applied Polymer Science (2009), examining the integration of lignin into jute-based composites.
referenceAyyachamy et al. published a review on lignin as an untapped biopolymer in biomass conversion technologies in the journal Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery (2013).
referenceRaman et al. published 'Insights into the sustainable development of lignin-based textiles for functional applications' in Macromolecular Materials and Engineering (2022), focusing on the use of lignin in textile manufacturing.
referenceKaya et al. published 'Investigation of the protective function of a lignin coating of natural fiber geotextiles against biodegradation' in Materials (2023), analyzing lignin coatings for natural fiber textiles.
referenceDomínguez-Robles et al. published 'Lignin for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications–could this become a reality?' in Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy (2020), exploring the potential of lignin in medical fields.
referenceWang et al. published 'Lignin-containing biodegradable UV-blocking films: a review' in Green Chemistry (2023), reviewing the use of lignin in biodegradable film production.
A critical review of industrial fiber hemp anatomy, agronomic ... bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu BioResources 6 facts
procedurePhysical retting, such as steam explosion, uses hot steam and pressure to remove lignin, pectin, wax, and other non-cellulosic materials from hemp.
measurementHemp hurds contain 18% to 27% hemicellulose and pectin, 21% to 28% lignin, 40% to 48% cellulose, 2.2% extractives, and 1.4% ash content, making them a viable option for use as a polymer reinforcement agent.
claimHemp bast fibers are breathable and sustainable, but their coarse, stiff nature and poor spinnability require blending with cotton to mitigate issues caused by pectin and lignin content.
claimRetting is a microbial process that breaks down the chemical bonds between bast fiber bundles and hurds by degrading lignin or pectin, enabling the separation of hurds from the bast fibers.
measurementHemp bast fibers are composed of 70% to 75% cellulose, 15% to 20% hemicellulose, 3% to 5% lignin, 0.8% pectin, 2% to 6% extractives, and 1% to 2% ash content, as reported by Manaia et al. (2019), Möller and Popescu (2009), and Zheljazkov et al. (2023).
claimThe cellulose concentration of hemp bast fibers is higher at the center of the stalk than at the top or bottom, while lignin concentration decreases from the bottom to the top of the stalk, and hemicellulose content increases from the bottom to the top, according to Li et al. (2013).
Active Plant Principles and Applications in Plant Medicine irispublishers.com Daniela Rebeca Ardelean, Ramona Stef, Monica Butnariu · Iris Publishers May 2, 2024 3 facts
claimIn the human body, lignin has the capacity to absorb bile acids and degradation products.
claimLignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose are components of food fibers that absorb water and bind harmful substances for elimination through feces.
claimArctioside, a lignin found in burdock species, possesses diuretic, sudoritic, hypoglycemic, hepato-biliary stimulating, and antitumor properties.
5.9.1: Kingdom Plantae - Evolution and Phylogeny bio.libretexts.org LibreTexts Nov 24, 2025 1 fact
claimBryophytes generally lack lignin and tracheids, which are xylem cells specialized for forming conduits to conduct water.
Nanomaterials in the future biotextile industry: A new cosmovision to ... frontiersin.org Frontiers Dec 1, 2022 1 fact
claimNatural fibers are composed of either polysaccharides, such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, or proteins, such as fibroin and collagen.
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Studies of Traditionally Used ... heraldopenaccess.us Journal of Food Science & Nutrition 1 fact
claimMethanol extracts of Vitex negundo Linn. roots contain lignins that inhibit tyrosinase.
A shift from synthetic to bio-based polymer for ... pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov PubMed 1 fact
claimSpecific biopolymers utilized for textile functionalization include bacterial and plant-based nanocellulose, lignin, chitosan, alginate, gelatin, collagen, keratin, and polylactic acid (PLA), which provide properties such as anti-microbial, flame retardant, UV protective, and antioxidant effects.