Page 168 - CW E-Magazine (25-2-2025)

Special Report

L in biomass is brought out in a clear
way to provide rigidity to strengthen
the structure of cell walls, particularly
in stems and roots. L crosslinks poly-
saccharides to improve the mechanical
strength of the cell walls and harden the
whole plant. Further, it blocks pathogen
growth and protect plants by lignification
of infections and wounds. There are
additional important roles of L.
There is a discussion on L extraction
processes. The annual production of
various Ls is reported: Kraft L; L-Sul-
fonate; Soda L; Organosolv L and their
annual production (in kilotonnes per
annum) is as follows: 265; 1,315; 75; and
Mechanochemistry-assisted Shape recovery is good and there is 113, respectively and price (in US$ per
fabrication of (carboxymethyl) high recyclability. Such products can be tonne) is 260-500; 180-500; 200-300;
cellulose (CMC) mediated by useful in areas such as vibration damping 280-520, respectively. The chemical
minute surface-confined and packaging. (ACS Sustainable Chem. structure of L is covered and the mono-
water Eng., 2023; DOI: 10.1021/acssusche- mers that participate in the biosynthesis
meng.3C07063). of L are collectively called monolignols
Z. Xiao et al have reported a “green” and there are three types : p-coumaryl
synthesis route as per the title. The Biodegradable polymers: alcohol; coniferyl alcohol, and sinapyl
mechanical forces from ball collisions From synthesis methods to alcohol. Hydroxyl group contents in
facilitated the formation of disordered applications of lignin (L)-graft different Ls are given.
regions which aids the reaction. A wide polyester
range of substitution in CMC is possible Modification of L is discussed at length.
ranging from 0.38 to 1.03 and a maxi- S. Kim and H. Chung have covered the Graft copolymerisation can produce
mum yield of 40%. DFT calculation title subject extensively with emphasis L-based polymers that possess pre-
were done. This CMC has good bio- on biomass-based materials. There is a cisely controllable architectures and
compatibility. (ACS Sustainable Chem. treatise on biodegradability. The role of specialised functional groups. Aliphatic
Eng., 2024; DOI: 10.1021/acssusche-
meng.4C03456).
Biobased recyclable rubbers
with shape memory, self-
welding, and damping
properties by cross-linking
epoxidised natural rubber
(ENR) with succinic
anhydride (SA)

Y. Zou et al have worked on the title
subject where SA is used as a cross-link-
ing agent, forming dynamic ester bonds
through ring-opening reactions with the
epoxy groups. The resulting product
demonstrates excellent mechanical
properties without the need for fillers.

168 Chemical Weekly February 25, 2025

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