Structural modification of commercial lignosulphonates through laccase catalysis and ozonolysis

Lignosulphonates are by-products from the sulphite pulping process, in which lignin is separated from cellulose by the addition of sulphonic acid groups to the alpha-position of lignin, thereby increasing the solubility of lignin in water. The predominant industrial utilisations of lignosulphonates are as dispersants, plasticisers and water-reducing agents in concrete preparation. The ability of lignosulphonates to function as a good plasticisers and water reducers is intimately linked with the purity of the lignosulphonate, its molecular weight and the number of charged groups present in the macromolecule. Currently, lignosulphonates are outrivaled by synthetic plasticisers termed superplasticisers due to their superior properties when used as additives to high-strength concrete. If lignosulphonates are to successfully compete with these superplasticisers, significant modifications are required. This paper describes a two-stage treatment of lignosulphonates in which the molecular weight is increased through laccase oxidation and carboxylic groups are introduced through ozonolysis. The technical significance of the results is also discussed. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.