Millions of tons of lignin—a biopolymer that strengthens the cell walls of plants—are produced each year by the pulp and paper industry. Although lignin production is widescale, lignin is considered a waste product with no commercial application due to its complexity as a non-uniform material. Incorporation of lignin into commercially important polymers remains a challenge in both pure research and applied industrial environments; yet if we could understand and use this material in a predictable manner, it would have a myriad of applications. Fortunately, a 2018 study in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering has revealed how to prepare and characterize different copolymers of lignin and polylactide (PLA).
Tag Archives: green chemistry
Researchers uncover how to make better polymers from pulp and paper waste
Posted in Science Communication
Tagged biodegradable, biopolymers, chemistry, copolymer, copolymers, green, green chemistry, lignin, materials, Materials Chemistry, melt, Outreach Project, PLA, polymers, Public Engagement, UBC
