Renewable Waste Increase Energy Efficiency

Research from Washington University in St. Louis may soon lead to lighter, stronger carbon fiber materials and stronger plastics with a gentler environmental impact. The main ingredient necessary for these improvements is lignin, a compound that is essential for most plants but considered a waste product by industry.

The key to opening up lignin’s potential was chemically altering some of its properties. High Molecular Weight Esterified Linkage Lignin (HiMWELL) was designed by the group of Joshua Yuan, professor and chair of the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis’ McKelvey School of Engineering.

https://engineering.wustl.edu/news/2022/By-design-from-waste…

Fuskie
Who notes this material could lead to lighter weight vehicles (air, land, sea) which would require less energy to operate…


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Most lignin is burned as fuel at a typical paper mill. Lignosulfonates used as cheap emulsifiers as in products like tar emulsions used as asphalt drive way sealers.

Lignin is a natural polymer that holds wood together. New derivatives with unique properties sound interesting. Looking forward to learning more.