Depolymerization and Activation of Lignin: Current State of Knowledge and Perspectives

A very important topic in present-day research is the depolymerization of lignin, meaning the multi-parametric decomposition of the biopolymer into low-molecular-weight products (monomers) by breaking of the intermolecular bonds. Depolymerization can occur under many different factors, such as high temperature or catalysts, which determine the mechanism of disintegration. In the case of lignin, this process is carried out in order to obtain many valuable low-molecular-weight compounds. It is becoming more and more popular as a result of the use of ionic liquids, but methods using alkaline, acidic, and metallic catalysts, as well as pyrolysis and supercritical fluids, are also known. All of these methods will be described in detail in this chapter

Lignosulfonate as a byproduct of wood pulp production: A potential precursor for the preparation of functional hybrid materials

Functional hybrid materials based on magnesium lignosulfonate and silica were obtained and characterized. Magnesium lignosulfonate is a common waste product of the wood pulp industry, while silica is a well-known inorganic material with exceptional physicochemical properties. In this study, silicas with a spherical particle shape were synthesized using a sol-gel method and alternatively in a nonpolar medium. Silica was found to improve the thermal and electrokinetic properties of the final products. The resulting lignosulfonate/silica hybrid materials were analyzed with the use of advanced techniques and measuring methods: scanning electron microscopy, a laser diffraction method enabling particle size measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetry, electrophoretic light scattering, zeta potential measurements, low-temperature nitrogen sorption, and colorimetric analysis. The results enabled the hybrid materials to be characterized from the point of view of potential applications in various branches of industry (for example as polymer fillers, electroactive blends and biosorbents). We additionally indicate new methods for the utilization of waste products, a category to which lignosulfonate certainly belongs

Additives for Abrasive Materials

The overarching objective of the chapter is to acquaint the readers with the topic associated with the production of abrasive tools and presentation of the most significant research results regarding the determination of the most important functional properties of selected additives (described in the literature and established on the basis of authors’ own scientific experiences). The studies regarding various additives, which were characterized in detail in the literature, were mainly based on thorough physicochemical and microstructural analysis as well as the determination of basic strength and thermos-mechanic parameters. The attempt to implement alternative cross-linking agents, which would result in the limited release of volatile organic compounds, is also of great importance in terms of production of environmentally friendly final products. A subsequent aim is to attract the attention of a wide range of readers and popularize the topic associated with conventional abrasive materials and next-generation abrasive compositions

Removal of nickel(II) and lead(II) ions from aqueous solution using peat as a low-cost adsorbent: A kinetic and equilibrium study

AbstractAnalysis was carried out to determine the physicochemical characteristics – morphological and structural, electrokinetic properties, elemental composition and functional groups – of peat, with a view to its use as a potential adsorbent of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions. A significant part of the study comprised tests of adsorption of nickel(II) and lead(II) ions from model solutions. It was determined how the parameters of the adsorption process (time, pH, quantity of sorbent) influence the effectiveness of removal of nickel(II) and lead(II) ions. The adsorption kinetics are also described, using a pseudo-first-order model and pseudo-second-order models of types 1–4. The results show strong correspondence to a pseudo-second-order kinetics model of type 1 (r2=0.999 for all initial concentrations). Another key part of the analysis was the use of the Langmuir and Freundlich models to determine the adsorption isotherms. The experimental data were in strong correspondence with Langmuir’s isotherm model. The sorption capacities of peat with respect to nickel(II) and lead(II) ions were 61.27mg(Ni2+)/g and 82.31mg(Pb2+)/g. Desorption tests confirmed the possibility of reusing peat as an effective sorbent of environmentally harmful metals. A mechanism is also proposed for the adsorption of Ni2+ and Pb2+ ions on adsorbent

Preparation and Characterization of Multifunctional Chitin/Lignin Materials

Multifunctional chitin/lignin materials were synthesized. In order to combine mechanical milling of the biopolymers with simultaneous mixing, a centrifugal ball mill was utilized. The resulting materials, differing in terms of the proportions of precursors used, underwent detailed physicochemical and dispersive-morphological analysis. On the basis of FT-IR spectra and results of elemental analysis, the efficiency of the preparation of the materials was determined. The influence of the precursors on the thermal stability of the resulting systems was also evaluated. Zeta potential was determined as a function of pH to describe the electrokinetic stability of aqueous dispersions. This is important for evaluating the utility of the materials and indirectly confirms the effectiveness of the proposed method of synthesis of chitin/lignin products. Measurements were performed to determine basic colorimetric parameters, crucial in the production technology of multiple colored materials. It is expected that chitin/lignin materials will find a wide range of applications (biosorbents, polymer fillers, and electrochemical sensors), as they combine the unique properties of chitin with the specific structural features of lignin to provide a multifunctional material

Functional materials obtained with the use of lignin : from design to application

Polymers of natural origin have been gaining increasing significance in sciences, as well as the industry. Owing to their renewable nature, unique properties and wide availability, they are components that can be used for numerous advanced applications. Lignin, a biopolymer, which is a waste product separated from the widely understood biomass, most usually generated in the pulp and paper industry, falls in line with this trend. In this context, the importance of cellulose, which is used in the production of paper and by-products is greater. Whereas lignin, in the vast majority, i.e. approx. 95-98%, constitutes an energy source generated as a result of its combustion. However, nowadays, due to the huge potential arising from the specific structure of lignin and its properties, attempts are being made at using this material in many different applications within the so-called high added value. Lignin, as a commonly used polymer of unique chemical structure and properties, has recently become a source of many studies utilizing its potential in the preparation of functional materials and/or biomaterials, including hybrid ones. Such systems consist of appropriate inorganic and organic elements, which as a whole constitute a functional product with special properties, not exhibited by individual components. This provides unlimited possibilities in terms of engineering, shaping and practical application in newly developed systems. The huge interest in hybrid materials and/or biomaterials results from their potential applications, namely, in medicine, electronics, optics, electrochemistry, energy storage etc. Therefore, it nowadays becomes justified and important to try and develop new, functional systems, which owing to their specific properties could result in interesting application-wise possibilities in everyday life. Therefore, the attempt to use lignin as a source of many attractive and prospective possibilities is not without significance

Preparation and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Mg(OH)2/Lignin Hybrid Material and Its Use as a Functional Filler for Poly(Vinyl Chloride)

A functional magnesium hydroxide/lignin hybrid system was prepared by grinding and mixing the pure precursors using a planetary ball mill. In addition, the thermal stability was assessed based on the total mass loss of the hybrid system within the temperature range of 30–1000 °C, which amounted to 38%. Moreover, the average particle size was at 4.9 μm as determined by the laser diffraction method. The effect of addition of the prepared and characterized Mg(OH)2/lignin hybrid filler at concentrations ranging from 2.5 wt % to 10 wt % on the processing as well as mechanical and thermal properties of composites on the matrix of the unplasticized PVC compound was also evaluated. The addition of a filler to the poly(vinyl chloride) matrix causes a significant improvement of its thermal stability, which is approximately three times higher compared to a polymer without a filler. Furthermore, the prepared composites are additionally characterized by advantageous mechanical properties, especially higher Young’s modulus. A 10% increase in the oxygen index of PVC composites upon addition of 10 wt % hybrid fillers has also been observed, which contributes to an extended range of their application under conditions that require notable fire resistance

Biocatalysts and biopolymers in the aspect of sustainable chemistry

The rapid development of industry, apart from the obvious benefits, also leads to a significant increase in the level of environmental pollution, which is related not only to the use of harmful substances in the production process, but also to the production of significant amounts of by-products and wastes, which pose a serious threat to the environment as well as to the health and the life of living organisms. There is therefore a need to limit the use of toxic substances at every stage of production, and where this is not possible, appropriate waste management and the development of effective methods of harmful substances removal. In this respect, it seems crucial to introduce the principles of Green Chemistry as widely as possible. Green Chemistry is a concept whose main assumptions focus on designing and conducting chemical processes in a way that minimizes the use and formation of harmful substances as much as possible. This staretgy is based on twelve principles that overlap with the main assumptions of environmental chemistry to improve environmental protection and reduce pollution. There are many techniques and methods that fit into the assumptions of the broadly understood Green Chemistry, the implementation of which allows for sustainable management of post-production waste and by-products as well as their effective disposal. One of such concepts assumes the use of waste substances as a valuable raw material, not only for energy, but above all as a precursor and/or component for the production of innovative materials with high utility potential. Another idea is the use of enzymes, i.e. natural biocatalysts that allow chemical transformations to be carried out under mild process conditions, without the need to use harmful solvents. What's more, enzymes can be used not only at the stage of conversion/synthesis of substrates, but they can also be efficient tools for removing harmful substances. Hence, it seems necessary to undertake attempts aimed at the widest possible management of waste substances, as well as conduct research, the effect of which is the production of functional biocatalytic systems for various applications

Research Development in Silica Aerogel Incorporated Cementitious Composites—A Review

This paper presents an analysis of research results for silica aerogel cement composites over the past twenty years. Recently, two trends in the development of these composites have been noted, towards structural applications and towards ultralight composites for coatings and renders. Ongoing research shows that important aspects of cementitious composites with good mechanical performance are the proper selection of aggregates and improved adhesion at the silica aerogel–cement binder interface, which will guarantee high compressive strength with the lowest possible thermal conductivity. The best physicomechanical performance of aerogel cement composites with low thermal conductivity below 0.03 W/(m·K) was obtained when cenospheres and aerogel were used in a weight percentage of 5%. In turn, the prerequisites for using aerogel cement composites as coatings for energy-efficient building façades are the use of large amounts of silica aerogel as a substitute for lightweight aggregates or the selection of an optimal composition of lightweight aggregates and aerogel, ensuring the lowest possible thermal conductivity coefficient. Other important standpoints are water transport and moisture protection of the silica aerogel-based coatings. Therefore, in recent years, more and more elements of the hygrothermal performance, porosity and durability of silica aerogel cement composites have been developed. The article also points out the weaknesses of the application of silica aerogel in the cement matrix, the most important of which are the lack of adhesion at the boundary of the aerogel–cement binder, the increased porosity of the composite, the high water absorption capacity and the significant decrease in compressive strength with large volumes of silica aerogel. Solving these issues will certainly contribute to the wider applicability of these materials in the construction industry

Influence of nanosilica and binary oxide systems on the selected physical and mechanical properties of cement composites

The paper presents the results of physical and mechanical tests of cement composites that include small amounts of nanosilica, as well as systems of nanosilica with less commonly used iron and nickel nanooxides. In the work, a physicochemical analysis of the nanooxides was performed to compare their morphological and structural properties, to determine their temperature stability and to assess their behavior in the cement matrix environment. Particle distribution analysis indicated a tendency for nanooxide particles to aggregate and agglomerate, with nickel nanooxide showing the highest degree of homogeneity. For iron nanooxide, the largest size scatter and the largest particle aggregates were observed. As expected, the nanosilica displayed the highest specific surface area, whereas, both nickel and iron nanooxide exhibited higher electrokinetic and temperature stability compared to nanosilica, which guarantees their durability in high pH cement matrixes. Cement composites with oxide additions had slightly lower density and comparable absorbability after 28 days of curing, as compared to pure mortar. In the case of nanosilica, after 7 days of curing, a significant increase in compressive strength was observed in comparison with pure mortar, while the strengths were slightly lower at a later time. Synergistic application of nanosilica with nickel or iron nanooxide resulted in significant increases in strength after 28 and 90 days of curing, where the effect of nanosilica alone was not as spectacular