Conversion of lignin biopolymer into surface-active derivatives

A series of novel lignin-based surface active agents was obtained by alkylation of beechwood prehydrolysis lignin with laurylbromide. Surface tension of measurements of the prepared derivatives revealed that lignin co-product of beechwood prehydrolysis exhibits properties of biodegradable polymeric surfactants after an appropriate chemical modification. All tested modified lignin biopolymers with different degree of alkylation show excellent dispersing and emulsifying efficiency. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.