Recent advanced application of lignin nanoparticles in the functional composites: A mini-review

In recent years, lignin nanoparticles (LNP) have gained tremendous and deep research in the field of functional composites because of their many advantages such as abundant, non-toxic, affordable, green, eco-friendly, biodegradable and biocompatible features along with antioxidant, antibacterial and UV-absorbing abilities. At present, numerous pioneering works have been devoted to the development of LNP-based composites with multiple functions. Herein, we comprehensively reviewed the latest research progress correlated with LNP-filled functional composites. This overview focused on the application of LNP as reinforcement, crosslinker, UV-protectant, antioxidant, antimicrobial and adhesive agents for functional composites. Additionally, the challenges and future outlooks for further exploiting and utilization of LNP in the functional composites were discussed.