LIGNIN VALORIZATION IN BIOREFINERY CONCEPT (I)

Abstract

Introduction:
The use of lignin as biofuels, chemicals and food source in future biorefineries is a growing topic in scientific interest. Lignin is an aromatic heterogeneous natural polymer, present in plants, usually associated with cellulose and hemicellulose. Its chemical multifunctionality imparts very varied properties that allow an appreciable number of chemical transformations. Hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse in the biorefinery concept produces lignin-rich currents that have not yet been recovered.
Objective:
To propose a lignin production scheme that could be integrated into the biorefinery concept, based on its possible applications determination.
Materials and Methods:
A search (briefing) that provides useful data for the development lignin obtaining process is carried out, based on this, a production scheme is proposed and its main characteristics are determined.
Results and Discussion:
The applications of residual lignin from organosolv process that are being developed are very varied: formulation of polyurethane foams, filler in polylactic acid films, carbon fibers production, as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents and in food. Production process stages include chemical reaction and separation operations.
Conclusions:
The proposed process is justified with lignin applications and can be integrated into the biorefinery proposed in previous works.