New Developments in the Commercial Utilization of Lignosulfonates

Abstract

IntroductionLignosulfonates or sulfonated lignins specify the complex anionic polymers that are recovered from liquors from the pulping industry. Over the years this product has evolved from being conceived as a waste material to become a refined chemical that constitutes a viable alternative to synthetic chemicals in many applications. A general overview of typical applications for lignosulfonates is given by Gargulak and Lebo [1] and their summary is still valid. Recently, a review [2] summarizing some advances on chemical characterization of lignosulfonates was published. In this chapter we will present recent advances in typical speciality applications within the agrochemical industry. Development of a lignosulfonate-based superplasticizer for the construction industry is also mentioned. We also discuss the production process of lignosulfonates and review literature on the fate of lignosulfonates released into the environment. LignosulfonatesLignosulfonates are used in a wide range of different applications; common to most of them is that lignosulfonates are used as a dispersant. In suspensions, lignosulfonate Surfactants from Renew able ResourcesEdite d by Mika e l Kje llin a nd I nge g ärd Johansson

A Critical Review of the Physicochemical Properties of Lignosulfonates: Chemical Structure and Behavior in Aqueous Solution, at Surfaces and Interfaces

“…Surfaces 2020, 3 FOR PEER REVIEW 5 Lignosulfonates are described as randomly branched polyaromatic polyelectrolytes [2,21], which exhibit water-solubility and surfactant-like behavior [4,5,43]. Hydrophilicity is imparted by the presence of anionic sulfonate groups, but also by anionic carboxylate groups and (at high pH) phenolic hydroxyl groups [17].…”

“…The molecular weight is naturally linked to the molecular dimensions and the diffusion coefficient [52], which can further affect interfacial adsorption and related phenomena [9,53]. Overall, Lignosulfonates are described as randomly branched polyaromatic polyelectrolytes [2,21], which exhibit water-solubility and surfactant-like behavior [4,5,43]. Hydrophilicity is imparted by the presence of anionic sulfonate groups, but also by anionic carboxylate groups and (at high pH) phenolic hydroxyl groups [17].…”

“…Due to their versatile character, lignosulfonates are found in many different applications. The most common use is as a dispersant [4], which includes applications such as concrete constituents, such as residual sugars. Technical lignin may also be modified, for example by a depolymerization treatment or by chemically altering the type and abundance of functional groups.…”

Survey of renewable chemicals produced from lignocellulosic biomass during ionic liquid pretreatment

“…For example, lignin sulfonates produced from kraft pulping are currently utilized as phenol-formaldehyde plastics, binders, adhesives, mud-sand cements in drilling oil-wells, dispersants, or flotation agents, emulsifiers and stabilizers, grinding agents, electrolytic refining agents, protein precipitants, tanning agents, sequestering agents, storage battery plates, lime plaster, crystal growth inhibitor, ingot mold wash and as flame retardants [8,9]. Starch-based films incorporated with lignin have higher water resistance and increased elongation that make them effective packaging materials [10].…”

Evidence for a very slow disaggregation of lignosulfonates

“…The scientific and engineering perception of lignosulfonates (LS) changed in the last few decades from that of a waste material to a refined chemical that is a renewable alternative to oil-based synthetics (Lauten et al 2010). In nearly all applications, LS are applied as a solution in water.…”