The current project was initiated to address the utilization of the lignin component obtained during the bioconversion of aspenwood wastes. This utilization is necessary for the economic viability of the whole conversion process. The lignin obtained from steam pretreatment has been suggested to be of low molecular weight, reactive, and offer great potential as a raw material for utilization. This is in contrast to the lignins from traditional pulping operations. However previous to this work, characterizati- on of lignin separated after steam pretreatment of aspenwood under varying conditions (with and without acidic catalysts), has not been undertaken to substantiate these widely held beliefs. Neither has anyone identified the production of the type of lignin most suitable for various applications. A prerequisite for utilization of this material, therefore, has been to undertake this necessary characterization. A major emphasis of the work during this first year has been placed on the establishment of the analytical capability required to achieve the above goals. Following discussions with other researchers, such as Glasser and Lewis (Virginia Tech.), Chum (SERI), etc. we are confident the analytical methodology we have in place for lignin characterization and the assessment of planned modification reactions is as good as any other laboratory in the world.
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