Review of current and future softwood kraft lignin process chemistry

The structure of lignin has remained one of the most difficult biopolymers to characterize, however recent advances in analytical chemistry and spectroscopy have dramatically improved our knowledge of this natural resource. This paper highlights our current understanding of lignin structure and examines the process chemistry surrounding kraft pulping. The application of this knowledge, with respect to converting lignin into novel biomaterials, biocomposites, and biofuels is examined briefly. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.