Creating a functioning lignin market: Unified definition of technical lignin grades and end-uses

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Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Kemian tekniikan korkeakoulu | Master's thesis

Authors

Date

2019-03-12

Department

Major/Subject

Biomass Refining

Mcode

CHEM3021

Degree programme

Master's Programme in Chemical, Biochemical and Materials Engineering

Language

en

Pages

99+9

Series

Abstract

This thesis work had three objectives: 1) analyse and characterise technical lignins and study the differences between them 2) define the desired properties of technical lignins according to different end-use applications and 3) create a lignin matrix that can be used as a product catalogue for technical lignins which in turn will help in creating a functioning lignin market. The purpose was to create a unified definition for grading system that will act as a tool in finding suitable potential applications for industrial scale production of lignin-based applications. In total, three different technical lignins and five samples were characterised. Information regarding one of the samples was sent by a company. Characterisation of the samples was performed in laboratory following the methodology of available protocols and standards. The characterised properties of the samples were purity, elemental composition, molecular weight distribution, reactivity and structural characteristics. These lignins were evaluated and ranked regarding their suitability for 8 potential applications in three categories; energy pathway, aromatic chemicals and composites. Lignin matrix tool was created to calculate and evaluate the suitability of the characterised technical lignins towards different applications. The tool was created by combining information available in the literature regarding the properties needed for applications and the Kano model idea, a classification methodology used for consumer research. Grade A and B lignins should be interpreted as highly suitable for the selected application whereas grade C lignins need further upgrading and grade D lignins are not suitable for the application. Kraft lignins had the most grade B’s followed by hydrolysis lignin. Even though enzymatically fractionated biorefinery lignins were evaluated as not suitable or grade C for majority of the applications, they were grade A and B for fine chemicals which is a high margin application. The lignin matrix tool also serves as a communication tool along the value chain; lignin suppliers can use it to gain insight into the applications their lignin is suitable for before starting investments. The tool could also be potentially used by lignin processors to communicate their specific needs regarding lignin specifications.

Description

Supervisor

Vuorinen, Tapani

Thesis advisor

Vasara, Petri

Keywords

technical lignin, potential applications, biofuels, biochemicals, composites, characterization

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Citation

Permanent link to this item

https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-201903172333

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[dipl] Kemian tekniikan korkeakoulu / CHEM