Finnish researchers invented lignin modification method to benefit the paper industry

Finnish researchers recently invented a new method that can be used to modify lignin-containing fibers and fiber products to give them new properties and a wider range of applications.

Lignin is one of the components that make up the cell wall of plants. It is a complex phenolic polymer. It contains more wood and is second only to cellulose in nature. At present, the main ingredient of papermaking liquid is lignin, but its inherent characteristics such as non-uniform molecular structure and low solubility in water limit its further application.

According to the “Alpha Galileo” scientific news website sponsored by the British Association for the Advancement of Science on the 24th, researchers from VTT Technical Research Center in Finland invented the method of modifying lignin with chemical enzymes, which can maintain the original characteristics of lignin-containing fibers. , And according to the requirements of the end product, it has new features such as waterproof, conductive, etc., which greatly increase the application of wood fiber. A chemical agent plays a key role in this method, but the researchers did not specify the specific ingredients.

Researchers say that construction, paper manufacturing, packaging, etc. can benefit from this new method.