VITO launches tool for downstream processing of lignin and lignin oils

With the support of the Catalisti project BIORESAL, VITO has launched a tool that helps companies select the right downstream processing strategy for lignin and depolymerised lignin oils.

Downstream processing of lignin

Lignin is one of the most abundant organic substances. Due to the substantial presence of aromatic components, it’s also one of the most promising natural raw materials.

Choosing the right downstream processing strategy for lignin and lignin oils is, however, not always straightforward. On the one hand, polymeric lignin is known for its structural complexity and heterogeneity. On the other, lignin oils obtained after depolymerisation might contain impurities such as ash or polysaccharides. These realities complicate downstream processing of lignin and lignin oils. To end up with exactly the right specifications for specific applications, different processing steps should be perfectly aligned.

A helpful tool by VITO

Based on the properties of the feedstock and the required end specifications, how can companies decide which series of downstream processing steps will lead to the required results? With the support of the Catalisti project BIORESAL and in the framework of Biorizon, VITO has developed a tool that helps companies make this decision.

The tool is a decision tree for the selection of the appropriate downstream processing strategy for lignins and depolymerised lignin oils. It is specifically designed for:
  • providers of lignin (oil) that want to align the properties of their feedstock with the requirements of specific applications
  • end users that want to adjust the properties of lignin (oil) in order it to use it in their applications, such as coatings, adhesives, sealants or elastomers

More info

Does your company wish to obtain specific properties from lignin for application in coatings, adhesives or insulation foam? Or does your company struggle to find a suitable application because your lignin does not possess the right properties? Then make sure to find out more about VITO’s tool on the Biorizon website.