Preface

Lignin is the second-most abundant renewable polymer found in the cell walls of plants. Composed of various alkyl-aromatic polymer units, lignin has interesting physical and chemical properties making it suitable for application in various chemical industries. Its sole disadvantage is its rigidity. At present, the foremost use of lignin is combustion to generate power and heat, but in the last decade, catalysis has improved the efficiency of lignin processing for materials applications. Depolymerization is the most important process used in the preparation of lignin as a natural polymer. A great deal of research has been carried out to find efficient lignin depolymerization processes. Despite extensive development work, lignin remains underutilized in biorefineries.

This book describes the detailed structure of lignin, its chemical properties and physical significance, and its chemical and materials applications. It provides a brief history of lignin and materials derived from it by modification and describes recent research in lignin applications for structural materials, raw polymers, adhesives, plastics, and many more. It also highlights the challenges associated with maximizing output, with potential solutions.

> **Arpit Sand and Jaya Tuteja** School of Sciences, Manav Rachna University, Faridabad, Haryana, India

**1**

Section 1

Introduction to Lignin

Section 1
