A research project at the University of Boros in Sweden investigated the chemical modification and use of lignin with sustainable fiber-reinforced materials.
Lignin, a by-product of the forest industry, can be used to produce sustainable materials that can not only replace petroleum-based products, but also reduce the weight of the structure without compromising mechanical properties.
The project revolves around four important questions:
How can you improve compatibility between lignin and other substances? How can the change process be more efficient and environmentally friendly? How can you improve the mechanical and thermal properties of a material? How can fibers be incorporated to further strengthen the material?
“There are many untapped possibilities for lignin. By chemically modifying lignin, we can create materials that can replace oil-based materials,” explained Matilda Johansson, who led the study.
The materials industry faces a shortage of efficient recycling technologies
The materials industry faces serious challenges due to the sustained lack of effective recycling practices. Despite growing awareness of environmental issues, many materials, especially plastics, composites and certain metals, are not yet efficiently or recycled at all.
This is often due to complex supply chains, limited infrastructure, and the difficulty of separating and processing mixed materials.
As a result, huge amounts of potentially reusable resources can enter or be incinerated, contributing to pollution and resource depletion. Industry reliance on virgin materials accelerates environmental degradation, increasing production costs and energy consumption.
A simple and effective way to produce lignin-based products
This method involves extracting lignin from forest and agricultural waste and chemically modifying it using acetic anhydride and microwaves. This allows lignin to bind to other polymers such as PLA (polyratonic acid).
Next, methods such as extrusion, 3D printing, compression molding are used to create bio-based composites reinforced with recycled cellulose fibers.
Environmental Benefits and Resource Efficiency of Sustainable Materials
Johansson explained: “This project contributes to minimizing the use of traditional plastics, i.e. oil-based materials. Lignin-based materials are made up of natural ingredients and no harmful chemicals are used during production.
“As more and more industries are switching to bio-based alternatives, this sustainable material could become an option to reduce climate impact.
“The fact that it consists of material that is considered to be a byproduct from another industry makes the entire process more resource efficient.”
This project is an important contribution to research on sustainable materials to demonstrate the importance of developing eco-friendly alternatives to today’s materials.
Focusing on sustainability
Sustainable materials offer many benefits for both the environment and society. By using renewable, recyclable, or biodegradable resources, these materials help reduce waste, save natural resources, and save greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to the ecological benefits, sustainable materials can also improve community well-being by supporting a healthier indoor environment and promoting ethical sourcing and fair work practices.
As demand for environmentally friendly products increases, adopting sustainable materials will encourage innovation and long-term economic resilience.
Johansson concluded: “Today’s high consumption means there are incredible amounts of material, but a very small proportion is recycled, leading to the accumulation of materials that contribute to a large amount of natural destruction.
“If you can choose materials that have less impact when nature is produced and less impact when used, then it’s win-win.”
The project supports the responsible consumption and production of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, primarily Goal 9, Industry, Innovation, Infrastructure, and Goal 12.
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