Functionalized Lignin Esterification for Biofuel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lignin's low solubility in carrier liquids and tendency to form insoluble particles and increase viscosity pose challenges for its use in biofuel production, leading to reduced yield and increased processing costs in refineries.
Innovation Solution
A composition of functionalized lignin esterified with a mixture of fatty acids, where 5-70% are saturated, 20-90% are monounsaturated, and 0-40% are polyunsaturated, allowing for improved solubility and stability, reducing particle formation and viscosity increase over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If lignin is esterified with unsaturated fatty acids to improve solubility in oils, then solubility is improved, but instability over time occurs leading to particle formation and viscosity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the fatty acid composition parameters - specifically limiting polyunsaturated fatty acids to 0-40% and setting monounsaturated fatty acids to 20-90% of total fatty acids. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the right balance that maintains solubility while preventing instability and particle formation during storage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If lignin is esterified with fatty acids to improve solubility, then solubility is improved, but viscosity increases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by optimizing the fatty acid composition - specifically controlling the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids and limiting polyunsaturated content. This resolves the contradiction between maintaining solubility and preventing viscosity increase during storage by finding the optimal compositional parameters.
3Ease of manufacture
If lignin is degraded prior to mixing with fatty acids to improve processability, then catalyst contact is improved, but additional processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing esterification of lignin with fatty acids before the degradation step. This reverses the conventional sequence and allows the lignin to be pre-modified for better solubility and catalyst contact, simplifying subsequent processing steps while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition maintains stability and solubility, reducing insoluble particle formation and viscosity, enabling efficient storage and transportation, and facilitating biofuel production without the need for additional refining steps.
Implementation Method 1
hydroxyl groups of the lignin is functionalized with fatty acids via an ester linkage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a composition of functionalized lignin where the composition exhibits a good stability and where the composition may be used for preparing fuels. The invention further relates a method of preparing the composition.