CELL 288 |
| Lignin, the glue that keep fibers together and one of the most abundant biopolymers on the planent, demonstrates association phenomena after it is extracted from wood and dissolved in solution. The study of the molecular weight of lignin in solution as a function of time allows us to explore its behavior which surprising displays a decrease in its total molecular weight during aging in solution. These analyses were carried out using multiple angle light scattering (MALS) photometry in the static mode. The specific refractive index increment (dn/dc) of lignin solutions were also measured as a function of time. Hardwood and softwood representative lignin were isolated using a specific protocol and termed Enzymatic Mild Acidolysis Lignin (EMAL) and their behavior were followed in THF and NaOH. An additional method for fully dissolving these biopolymers in THF was developed. The effect of temperature and the effect of the different hydroxyl groups in lignin on the de-association phenomena were also investigated. Selective methylation was done for softwood lignin. This effort when coupled to the additional work using light scattering static measurements, Zimm plots for the same solutions, and the kinetics of the phenomena observed offers insight into the self-assembly processes operating within the lignin biopolymer. |
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Nanotechnology: A Fiber Perspective
1:30 PM-4:50 PM, Thursday, April 10, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. R09, Oral
Division of Cellulose & Renewable Materials |