Lignin is a complex natural polymer and one of the main constituent of the lignocellulosic biomass. It is a biorenewable material and available in large amounts as byproduct from the pulping industries. Lignin has been considered as a potential raw material in hydrogel production (1). Hydrogels are used in many technological applications, such as agriculture field (as soil conditioners and nutrient carriers), super absorbents in hygiene products (pads and diapers) as well as drug carriers and active principle control release devices for drug delivery. For the first time, lignin-based hydrogels with high swelling capabilities were prepared. Hydrogels were developed from three technical lignins: wheat straw soda, wheat straw organosolv (ethanol) and softwood kraft lignin. Optimization of the hydrogels formulations was optimized. They were fabricated utilizing 10% w/w lignin and 20% w/w of commercial crosslinking agent. Extensive characterization in terms of water up-taking capability, chemical structure, pore size distribution and mechanical and viscoelastic properties was performed. Lignin hydrogels were able to uptake water in up to 10 times its weight while being dimensionally stable in wet state. Controlled release properties of the hydrogels was tested using a model compound (Methylene Blue) to study the load capacity of the systems. The model absorption tests showed that the produced hydrogels have high adsorption capacity whereas only negligible desorption could be observed. Lignin origin and structure had a remarkable impacto on the structural and mechanical properties of the hydrogels.

Lignin-based hydrogels with super-swelling capacities

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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