Lignin: Applications and Ways of Utilization (Review)

Abstract

The main applications and ways of utilization of industrial lignins, which are a large-tonnage waste from pulp and hydrolysis plants, are considered. The first group of methods includes nonthermal methods of lignin processing with preservation of the natural polymeric structure of lignin. The second group of methods includes thermal methods for lignin processing with the formation of low- and high-molecular-mass compounds and combustible gas. The largest-tonnage application fields of lignins are building, mining, metallurgical, oil-extracting, and agro industries, and also water treatment.