Our partners, VTT (Technical Research Centre of Finland) and BARPIMO Coatings published a research article titled “Fractionation of Kraft Lignin for Production of Alkyd Resins for Biobased Coatings with Oxidized Lignin Dispersants as a Co-Product” in ACS Omega.
The article details a novel approach to valorizing kraft lignin into high-performance, bio-based coatings. The main findings are:
- Solvent Fractionation: A simple and efficient solvent fractionation process was developed to extract a soluble lignin fraction with improved properties, such as low molecular weight and high content of functional groups.
- Alkyd Resin Production: The soluble lignin fraction was successfully used to produce alkyd resins that meet industrial standards for performance and durability.
- Sustainable Coatings: The lignin-based alkyd resins were used to formulate high-performance anticorrosion coatings for metal surfaces.
- Co-Product Valorization: The insoluble fraction from the fractionation process was valorized into lignin-based dispersants for carbon black pigments.
This research represents a significant step forward in developing sustainable, bio-based coatings. By utilizing a low-cost, abundant, and renewable resource like lignin, LIGNICOAT is contributing to a more circular economy and reducing our reliance on fossil-based materials.
Access the article here.