Dataset Information

Fungal Treatment Modifies Kraft Lignin for Lignin- and Cellulose-Based Carbon Fiber Precursors.

ABSTRACT: The kraft lignin's low molecular weight and too high hydroxyl content hinder its application in bio-based carbon fibers. In this study, we were able to polymerize kraft lignin and reduce the amount of hydroxyl groups by incubating it with the white-rot fungus Obba rivulosa. Enzymatic radical oxidation reactions were hypothesized to induce condensation of lignin, which increased the amount of aromatic rings connected by carbon-carbon bonds. This modification is assumed to be beneficial when aiming for graphite materials such as carbon fibers. Furthermore, the ratio of remaining aliphatic hydroxyls to phenolic hydroxyls was increased, making the structure more favorable for carbon fiber production. When the modified lignin was mixed together with cellulose, the mixture could be spun into intact precursor fibers by using dry-jet wet spinning. The modified lignin leaked less to the spin bath compared with the unmodified lignin starting material, making the recycling of spin-bath solvents easier. The stronger incorporation of modified lignin in the precursor fibers was confirmed by composition analysis, thermogravimetry, and mechanical testing. This work shows how white-rot fungal treatment can be used to modify the structure of lignin to be more favorable for the production of bio-based fiber materials.

SUBMITTER: Mikkila J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7098016 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Fungal Treatment Modifies Kraft Lignin for Lignin- and Cellulose-Based Carbon Fiber Precursors.

Mikkilä Joona J Trogen Mikaela M Koivu Klaus A Y KAY Kontro Jussi J Kuuskeri Jaana J Maltari Riku R Dekere Zane Z Kemell Marianna M Mäkelä Miia R MR Nousiainen Paula A PA Hummel Michael M Sipilä Jussi J Hildén Kristiina K

ACS omega 20200310 11

The kraft lignin's low molecular weight and too high hydroxyl content hinder its application in bio-based carbon fibers. In this study, we were able to polymerize kraft lignin and reduce the amount of hydroxyl groups by incubating it with the white-rot fungus <i>Obba rivulosa</i>. Enzymatic radical oxidation reactions were hypothesized to induce condensation of lignin, which increased the amount of aromatic rings connected by carbon-carbon bonds. This modification is assumed to be beneficial whe ...[more]

PMID: 32226896

Similar Datasets

Project description:Carbon fiber reinforced composites have exceptional potential to play a key role in the materials world of our future. However, their success undoubtedly depends on the extent they can contribute to advance a global sustainability objective. Utilizing polymers in these composites that can be potentially derived from biomasses would be certainly vital for next-generation manufacturing practices. Nevertheless, deep understanding and tailoring fiber-matrix interactions are crucial issues in order to design carbon fiber reinforced sustainable resource-based biocomposites. In this study, cellulose derivatives (cellulose propionate and cellulose acetate butyrate) are utilized as model polymer matrices that can be potentially fabricated from biomasses, and the mechanical properties of the prepared short carbon fiber reinforced composites are engineered by means of a functional biobased lignin coating on the fiber surface. Furthermore, polyamide 6 based composites are also prepared, the monomer of this polymer could be obtained using C6 sugars derived from lignocellulosic biomasses in the future (through 5-hydroxymethylfurfural). Lignin was successfully immobilized on the carbon fiber surface via an industrially scalable benign epoxidation reaction. The surface modification had a beneficial impact on the mechanical properties of cellulose propionate and polyamide 6 composites. Furthermore, our results also revealed that cellulose-based matrices are highly sensitive to the presence of rigid fiber segments that restrict polymer chain movements and facilitate stress development. It follows that the physicochemical properties of the cellulosic matrices (molecular weight, crystallinity), associated with polymer chain mobility, might need to be carefully considered when designing these composites. At the same time, polyamide 6 showed excellent ability to accommodate short carbon fibers without leading to a largely brittle material, in this case, a maximum tensile strength of ~136 MPa was obtained at 20 wt% fiber loading. These results were further contrasted with that of a petroleum-based polypropylene matrix exhibiting inferior mechanical properties. Our study clearly indicates that carbon fiber reinforced polymers derived and designed using biomass-derived resources can be promising green materials for a sustainable future.

Dataset Information

Fungal Treatment Modifies Kraft Lignin for Lignin- and Cellulose-Based Carbon Fiber Precursors.

Publications

Fungal Treatment Modifies Kraft Lignin for Lignin- and Cellulose-Based Carbon Fiber Precursors.

Similar Datasets

OmicsDI is part of the ELIXIR infrastructure

Tweets