Applications of lignin in the agri-food industry

Of late, valorization of agri-food industrial by-products and their sustainable utilization is gaining much contemplation world-over. Globally, 'Zero Waste Concept' is promoted with main emphasis laid towards generation of minimal wastes and maximal utilization of plantbased agri-food raw materials. One of the wastes/by-products in the agri-food industry are the lignin, which occurs as lignocellulosic biomass. This biomass is deliberated to be an environmental pollutant as they offer resistance to natural biodegradation. Safe disposal of this biomass is often considered a major challenge, especially in low-income countries. Hence, the application of modern technologies to effectively reduce these types of wastes and maximize their potential use/applications is vital in the present day scenario. Nevertheless, in some of the high-income countries, attempts have been made to efficiently utilize lignin as a source of fuel, as a raw material in the paper industry, as a filler material in biopolymer based packaging and for producing bioethanol. However, as of today, agri-food industrial applications remains significantly underexplored. Chemically, lignin is heterogeneous, bio-polymeric, polyphenolic compound, which is present naturally in plants, providing mechanical strength and rigidity. Reports are available wherein purified lignin is established to possess therapeutic values; and are rich in antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-carcinogenic, antidiabetic properties, etc. This chapter is divided into four sub-categories focusing on various technological aspects related to isolation and characterization of lignin; established uses of lignin; proved bioactivities and therapeutic potentials of lignin, and finally on identifying the existing research gaps followed by future recommendations for potential use from agri-food industrial wastes.Theme of this chapter is based on our ongoing project- Valortech, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 810630

Crystallization and melting behavior of a main-chain thermotropic copolyester

The crystallization and melting behavior of a main-chain thermotropic copolyester has been investigated by differential scanning calormetry (DSC). The effect of annealing time and temperature on the transition temperatures and enthalpies has been evidenced. Two melting peaks are observed and the first one clearly develops on annealing. Hypotheses are suggested about the crystallization mechanism

'Phase transitions of a main-chain thermotropic copolyester: crystallization, melting behaviour and glass-transition studied by DSC

The thermal behaviour of a main-chain thermotropic co-polyester has been investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Crystallization and melting have been studied through the effect of the annealing time and temperature on the transition temperatures and enthalpies. Two melting peaks are observed, the first one clearly developping on annealing. Hypotheses are suggested about the crystallization mechanism. The glass-transition (rate-dependent) appears broadened and does not show hysteresis on heating and cooling through the transition temperature