Structure-Property Characteristics of Pyrolytic Lignins Derived from Fast Pyrolysis of a Lignin Rich Biomass Extract

In this work, pyrolytic lignins isolated from the liquid product of the fast pyrolysis of Etek lignin were characterized using various analytical techniques. This is necessary to evaluate their potential usefulness as an aromatic chemical feedstock in a biomass pyrolysis scheme. Pyrolytic lignins were separated into various fractions by their solubility in water and dichloromethane. Results revealed that the thermal pyrolysis yielded lignin fractions of higher oxygen and lower carbon and hydrogen contents, leading to a decrease in their heating values. Pyrolytic lignin fractions were decarboxylated, had a higher concentration of aryl and alkyl hydroxyl moieties, and were lower molecular weight than the starting lignin. TGA analysis indicates that the pyrolytic lignins begin to thermally degrade at 120 degrees C. Overall the characterization data suggests that pyrolytic lignins obtained from the fast pyrolysis of Etek lignin are potentially useful feedstocks for sustainable production of renewable aromatic chemicals.