Value-added utilization of lignin residue from pretreatment process of lignocellulosic biomass

Abstract

Due to the high price volatility and environmental concern of petroleum, biofuels such as bioethanol produced from lignocellulosic biomass have attracted much attention. It is also expected that the amount of lignin residue generated from pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass will increase as the volume of cellulosic bioethanol increases. Lignin is a natural aromatic polymer and has very complex chemical structures with chemical functional groups. Chemical modification of lignin such as oxypropylation and epoxidation has also been applied to the production of value-added bioplastics such as polyurethane and polyester with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. In addition, lignin can be used for carbon fiber production in automobile industries. This review highlights recent progresses in utilizations and chemical modifications of lignin for the production of bioplastics, resins, and carbon fiber.