About Hydrophobicity of Lignin: A Review of Selected Chemical Methods for Lignin Valorisation in Biopolymer Production

Lignin is the second most abundant renewable natural polymer that occurs on Earth, and as such, it should be widely utilised by industries in a variety of applications. However, these applications and possible research seem to be limited or prevented by a variety of factors, mainly the high heterogeneity of lignin. Selective modifications of the structure and of functional groups allow better properties in material applications, whereas the separation of different qualitative lignin groups permits selective application in industry. This review is aimed at modification of the lignin structure, increasing the hydrophobicity of the produced materials, and focusing on several perspective modifications for industrial-scale production of lignin-based polymers, as well as challenges, opportunities, and other important factors to take into consideration.

Automated summary

Lignin, as the second most abundant renewable natural polymer on Earth, has great potential in industrial applications but is hindered by its high heterogeneity. Selective modifications of structure and functional groups can improve material properties, while separation of different qualitative lignin groups allows for selective application in industry.