Depolymerization of Kraft Lignin for the Production of Fine Chemicals and Construction Material Additives

• Research unit: INNOSUISSE
• Project number: 10520.1;8 PFIW-IW

Short description (German)

Depolymerization of Kraft Lignin for the Production of Fine Chemicals and Construction Material Additives

Short description (English)

Depolymerization of Kraft Lignin for the Production of Fine Chemicals and Construction Material Additives

Abstract (German)

Lignin is the second most abundant raw material in nature accounting for 30% of the world¿s biomass. As a waste product from the pulp and paper industry it can be available at about 50 million tons a year. Recently a novel approach for the depolymerization of lignin was developed at the Institute of Process Engineering at ETH Zürich. By this approach lignin can be converted to high-value monomeric products like vanillin. Other reaction products can be modified by functionalization and used as dispersants in construction materials. By that, a green chemistry can be achieved for producing concrete admixtures out of renewable biomass.

Abstract (English)

Lignin is the second most abundant raw material in nature accounting for 30% of the world¿s biomass. As a waste product from the pulp and paper industry it can be available at about 50 million tons a year. Recently a novel approach for the depolymerization of lignin was developed at the Institute of Process Engineering at ETH Zürich. By this approach lignin can be converted to high-value monomeric products like vanillin. Other reaction products can be modified by functionalization and used as dispersants in construction materials. By that, a green chemistry can be achieved for producing concrete admixtures out of renewable biomass.