About this Research Topic
The field of sustainable materials science has seen a significant shift towards the utilization of natural polymers, driven by the environmental and health concerns associated with synthetic petroleum-based polymers. This shift is further motivated by the global push for a sustainable, closed-loop economy and the depletion of petroleum resources. Among natural polymers, biomass-derived lignin has garnered considerable attention due to its renewable nature, unique properties, and wide availability. Lignin, a major component of woody biomass, constitutes approximately 20% of plant biomass and offers immense potential for high-value applications. Recent studies have focused on the isolation, functionalization, and characterization of lignin, exploring its use in both unmodified and modified forms for the production of advanced functional materials, biomaterials, hybrid materials, and polymers with special properties. Despite these advancements, there remain significant gaps in understanding the full potential of lignin, particularly in its interactions within polymer matrices and its broader applications.
This research topic aims to provide state-of-the-art knowledge and technological advancements in the field of environmentally friendly natural polymers derived from biomass, with a special focus on lignin from the wood industry. The primary objectives include exploring innovative lignin recovery technologies, understanding the interactions between polymer matrices and lignin, and investigating all aspects of the manufacture, modification, characterization, and application of biopolymers and lignin-polymer composites. Specific questions to be addressed include the efficiency of lignin isolation methods, the potential for lignin modification to enhance its properties, and the practical applications of lignin-based materials in various industries.
To gather further insights into the processing of waste biomass into functional materials, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Innovative lignin recovery technologies/isolation of lignin from different types of biomass with particular consideration of the wood industry
- Lignin as a renewable raw material for the production of biofuels and chemicals
- Modification of lignin
- Synthesis of bio-based polymeric materials from lignin
- Design of hybrid materials based on lignin
- Practical utilization and application areas of lignin and lignin-based materials
This research topic aims to provide state-of-the-art knowledge and technological advancements in the field of environmentally friendly natural polymers derived from biomass, with a special focus on lignin from the wood industry. The primary objectives include exploring innovative lignin recovery technologies, understanding the interactions between polymer matrices and lignin, and investigating all aspects of the manufacture, modification, characterization, and application of biopolymers and lignin-polymer composites. Specific questions to be addressed include the efficiency of lignin isolation methods, the potential for lignin modification to enhance its properties, and the practical applications of lignin-based materials in various industries.
To gather further insights into the processing of waste biomass into functional materials, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Innovative lignin recovery technologies/isolation of lignin from different types of biomass with particular consideration of the wood industry
- Lignin as a renewable raw material for the production of biofuels and chemicals
- Modification of lignin
- Synthesis of bio-based polymeric materials from lignin
- Design of hybrid materials based on lignin
- Practical utilization and application areas of lignin and lignin-based materials
Keywords: polymers and biopolymers, lignin from biomass, functionalized lignin, lignin-based composites, advanced materials, sustainable applications
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
