Fungal Treatment Modifies Kraft Lignin for Lignin- and Cellulose-Based Carbon Fiber Precursors.

ABSTRACT: The kraft lignin's low molecular weight and too high hydroxyl content hinder its application in bio-based carbon fibers. In this study, we were able to polymerize kraft lignin and reduce the amount of hydroxyl groups by incubating it with the white-rot fungus Obba rivulosa. Enzymatic radical oxidation reactions were hypothesized to induce condensation of lignin, which increased the amount of aromatic rings connected by carbon-carbon bonds. This modification is assumed to be beneficial when aiming for graphite materials such as carbon fibers. Furthermore, the ratio of remaining aliphatic hydroxyls to phenolic hydroxyls was increased, making the structure more favorable for carbon fiber production. When the modified lignin was mixed together with cellulose, the mixture could be spun i

SUBMITTER: Mikkila J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7098016 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature