Insights into the Sustainable Development of Lignin‐Based Textiles for Functional Applications

Abstract

The modification of textiles by the incorporation of nanofillers to incorporate multifunctional properties is emerging as an active area of research. The use of lignin, a biowaste material in textiles to create properties like UV blocking, flame retardancy, antimicrobial properties, etc. paves the way toward creating sustainable textiles with an additional advantage of utilizing a biowaste into a value-added product. The futuristic tailoring of lignin chemistry through functionalization is an entrancing field of research. It incorporates the inherent properties of lignin with the extraneous characteristics of attached matrix polymers. Such modifications aid to enhance the miscibility of lignin with various polymeric matrices, which help to magnify the capabilities of lignin/polymer composites. The review throws light on how lignin can be explored to tailor the properties of textiles in an effective manner. The UV blocking efficiency, flame retardancy as well as antimicrobial properties imparted to textiles by the presence of lignin are discussed in detail. An outlook on the durability and comfort of lignin incorporated textiles is also discussed. An effort is also taken to compare lignin with other commonly used fillers in textile materials. All the available data on lignin-based textiles are consolidated in a comprehensive manner in this review.

A systematic study on the processes of lignin extraction and nanodispersion to control properties and functionality

“…The main light absorbers contained within lignin are aromatic rings, conjugated carbonyl groups, as well as C–C double bonds. 9 UV-Vis measurements gave the expected absorption bands centered at approximately 340 nm, corresponding to the π–π* transitions of the phenolic guaiacyl and syringyl chromophores of lignin. 9,44 The exact intensity and location of this peak will depend on the degree of methoxylation, other functional groups and chromophores present within the lignin, as well as the source and extraction method.…”

“…10 Raman et al stated that LNPs have found use as adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions and dyes, anticorrosive nanofillers, drug delivery agents, and UV blocking agents. 9 Nanolignin is, however, not to be misunderstood as a specific compound; its properties vary greatly depending on the lignin source, processing, and even the person producing it. It is, therefore, the purpose of this article to discern some of the "hidden parameters" involved in the isolation and generation of nanolignin, the control of which would allow reproducible manufacturing.…”

“…7 The vast majority of it is treated as a low-value product and burned for energy, while only about 2% of lignin is used for high-value applications such as chemical precursors, fillers, antioxidants, adsorbents, emulsifiers, adhesives, and dispersants. 4,8–11…”

“…10 Raman et al stated that LNPs have found use as adsorbents for the removal of heavy metal ions and dyes, anticorrosive nanofillers, drug delivery agents, and UV blocking agents. 9…”

Molecular Design of Lignin-Derived Side-Chain Phenolic Polymers toward Functional Radical Scavenging Materials with Antioxidant and Antistatic Properties

“…Still, no selectivity of the aliphatic hydroxyl group over the phenolic hydroxyl group for the esterification of DCA or other monolignols can be obtained. This is unfortunate as it is well established that the functionality of lignin, such as its UV-blocking, flame-retardance, antioxidant (AA), and antistatic properties, is at least in part dependent on the availability of free phenolic hydroxyl groups …”