Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Ultrafast Lignin Extraction from Unusual Mediterranean Lignocellulosic Residues
Published on: March 9, 2021
Tuning ester derivatives of organosolv vs. technical lignin for improved thermoplastic materials
Mahendra Kothottil Mohan1, T Tran Ho1, Carmen Köster1
1Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), Akadeemia tee 15, 12618 Tallinn, Estonia. yevgen.karpichev@taltech.ee.
Abstract:
In this study, lignin from two different sources - organosolv pine and hydrolysis birch - were chemically modified through esterification of hydroxyl groups using octanoyl (C8), lauroyl (C12), and palmitoyl (C16) chlorides, as well as through chloromethylation followed by esterification with tetradecanoic acid (C14) and benzoic acid. Modification of lignin was confirmed by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The esterified lignin samples were loaded into polylactic acid (PLA) at loadings of 10%, 20%, and 30% using a solvent casting method. Thermal and mechanical properties of PLA/lignin composites revealed that esterification significantly affected the polymer matrix properties. PLA could sustain as much as 30% lignin ester loading without affecting the film integrity. Among the variations, hydrolysis lignin ester (HLE) and benzoic acid ester (BAEP) enhanced the heat stability of PLA, while esterification with palmitoyl chloride (OHLE_C16) increased its elasticity through plasticization.
Related Concept Videos
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...
Polymer Classification: Stereospecificity
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Overview
Ruthenium-based Grubbs catalyst is the most commonly used catalyst for olefin metathesis polymerization. Grubbs catalyst consists of a...
Polymer Classification: Architecture
Wood Products
Glue-laminated wood, often referred to as glulam, combines multiple smaller pieces of dimensional lumber using adhesives to form a single, larger piece. Cross-laminated timber consists...

