Lignin-Polymer Composite Materials: Production Process Optimization and Product Performance Evaluation

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This Engage Plus application aims at supporting the further developments of a collaborative research program**between Domtar Inc. and Dr. Ye at Concordia University in developing lignin-polymer composite materials**and processing technologies. Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose. Industrial lignin is**produced as a by-product of pulping mills and bio-refineries and the majority of lignin is burned as a low value**fuel in the recovery boilers. Given its natural abundance and low cost, lignin is a key platform material for the**development of new value-added, bio-based products from existing pulp and paper manufacturing sites and**their forest based supply chains. Numerous potential value-added applications and valorization technologies for**this material have been identified but few if any have been commercialized to date. Domtar, as a world leader**in the development and commercialization of isolated kraft lignin manufacture and marketing, has made good**progress on converting crude lignin powder into dried lignin pellets by extrusion and has used them to make**lignin-thermoplastic compound materials. However, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed,**potentially improve the whole production process and optimize the performance of the composite materials.**These challenges include dewatering of moist lignin at relatively low temperatures, further process**optimization for removal of odor of lignin in the products, and development of diversified products. This**Engage Plus project is aimed at addressing Domtar's specific challenges through our collaborative research**efforts. The success of this research is expected to expand the utilization of lignin, leading to high-value**products having the potential for commercial exploitation.