Lignin and Lignans as Renewable Raw Materials - Chemistry, Technology and Applications

This book presents a multidisciplinary overview of the state-of-the-art and future prospects of lignin and lignans. It covers academic and industrial topics for both types of compounds, discussing isolation methods, structure and physicochemical properties, polymers and high-value products from lignin and lignans. Topics covered include: Introduction A broad introduction to the field of lignin and lignans as renewable feedstocks, describing the main resources and the value of these products as raw materials. What is Lignin? Describes the structure of lignin, the main functional groups present in lignin, and methods for the detection of lignin. Summarizes the latest computational studies and methods concerning lignin and lignan chemistry. Sources and Characterization of Lignin Examines isolation methods of lignin from plants, and the main spectroscopic methods used to elucidate the complex chemical structure of lignin . Discusses the common chemical and biological procedures of lignin transformation and/or degradation. Lignins Applications Details the main uses of lignin in fields such as agriculture, livestock, soil rehabilitation, and bioremediation construction. Investigates the uses of lignin and derivatives in the polymer industry for the fabrication of polymers. Highlights the main high-value chemicals obtained from lignin, in particular the relevance of lignin as a source of fuels and greases. Lignans Describes the structure, nomenclature, natural sources, and biosynthesis of lignans, and surveys various applications. Outcome and Challenges: Offers perspectives and future challenges of these promising renewable raw materials. "Lignin and Lignans as Renewable Raw Materials" is a useful reference for scientists and engineers in academia and industry working on new possibilities for the application of renewable raw materials.