Composition comprising cellulose nanofiber and lignin or complex of these components, and method for producing lignocellulose-derived material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing cellulose nanofibers and lignin-derived materials from lignocellulosic biomass face challenges such as poor moldability, weak interactions between cellulose nanofibers and lignin, brittleness, high energy and time consumption, and reduced yield of valuable monolignol due to unstable condensation reactions and chemical treatments.
Innovation Solution
The use of sulfate-esterified cellulose nanofibers with sulfuric acid esterification and protection reactions in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide and acetic or propionic anhydride to enhance interactions with lignin, reduce energy and time requirements, and improve the yield of monolignol, while maintaining the swelling of lignocellulose, leading to a strong complex of cellulose nanofibers and lignin-derived substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If unmodified cellulose nanofiber is used to form a complex with lignin, then the interaction with lignin is weak, but the complex strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical properties of cellulose nanofibers through sulfate esterification. This chemical modification changes the surface parameters of cellulose, enabling strong electrostatic interactions with lignin. The sulfate ester groups introduced through this modification create strong binding sites that significantly enhance both the interaction strength and complex strength between cellulose and lignin components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material system by forming a complex between sulfate-esterified cellulose nanofibers and lignin-derived substances. This composite approach combines the structural properties of modified cellulose with the functional properties of lignin, resulting in a material with enhanced strength and reliability for various applications including resin and rubber compositions.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional pulping methods are used to isolate cellulose and lignin, then the separation is achieved, but the condensation reaction of lignin causes significant drop in monolignol yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing sulfate esterification on cellulose before the pulping and separation processes. This pre-modification stabilizes the cellulose structure and prevents unwanted condensation reactions of lignin during subsequent processing steps. By establishing this chemical modification in advance, the patent protects against composition instability and preserves monolignol yield throughout the processing sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The sulfate ester groups act as intermediaries that mediate between cellulose and lignin components. These intermediate chemical groups prevent direct harmful interactions between cellulose and lignin that would otherwise lead to condensation reactions and monolignol loss. The sulfate ester groups serve as protective intermediaries that maintain both separation efficiency and monolignol yield.
3Productivity
If multiple processing steps including drying, chemical treatment, and filtering are performed to produce cellulose nanofiber, then the production is complete, but time and energy consumption are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple processing steps into a more integrated process by performing sulfate esterification during the pulping stage itself, rather than as a separate subsequent step. This consolidation combines the chemical modification with the separation process, reducing the total number of discrete operations required and thereby decreasing both time and energy consumption while maintaining complete production of cellulose nanofiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The sulfate esterification process serves multiple functions simultaneously: it modifies cellulose for enhanced lignin interaction, stabilizes the system to prevent lignin condensation, and facilitates the separation process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized treatment steps, improving overall production efficiency while reducing time and energy requirements.
4Strength
If cellulose nanofiber is composited with resin or rubber, then various physical properties are improved, but moldability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface chemistry of cellulose nanofibers through sulfate esterification. This chemical modification changes the interaction parameters between cellulose and polymer matrices (resin or rubber), improving compatibility and interfacial adhesion. The modified surface parameters enable better stress transfer and reduce aggregation, thereby improving moldability while maintaining or enhancing the reinforcing physical properties in the composite material.
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
This approach results in improved moldability, strength, and energy efficiency in producing lignocellulose-derived materials, including sulfate-esterified cellulose nanofibers, nanocrystals, and monolignol, enabling complete utilization of lignocellulosic biomass.
Implementation Method 1
sulfate-esterified cellulose nanofibers with sulfuric acid esterification
Implementation Method 2
protection reactions in the presence of dimethylsulfoxide and acetic or propionic anhydride
Implementation Method 3
leading to a strong complex of cellulose nanofibers and lignin-derived substances
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a composition comprising a cellulose nanofiber and a lignin or a complex thereof and a method for efficiently producing lignocellulose-derived materials from lignocellulosic biomass for completely using the lignocellulosic biomass. The present disclosure relates to a composition comprising a cellulose nanofiber having a sulfate ester group and a lignin-derived substance and a method for producing lignocellulose-derived materials.