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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Albany, California » Western Regional Research Center » Bioproducts Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #246086
Title: Starch-Lignin Baked Foams

Author
item STEVENS, EUGENE - Binghamton University
item Klamczynski, Artur
item Glenn, Gregory - Greg

Submitted to: Industrial Crops and Products
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2009
Publication Date: 1/12/2010
Citation: Stevens, E.S., Klamczynski, A., Glenn, G.M. 2010. Starch-Kraft Lignin Baked Foams. Industrial Crops and Products. 4 (5), pp. 311-320.

Interpretive Summary: Lignin is an abundant renewable natural resource. A byproduct of paper manufacture, it is usually burned as fuel for lack of higher-value uses. New uses for lignin would improve the utilization of this resource and reduce product costs. ARS scientists in Albany, CA in collaboration with a scientist at the State University of New York developed foam composite materials containing lignan. The physical properties of the composites indicate that they could have applications in packaging products. Further research could provide other possible applications for this vast resource.

Technical Abstract: Starch-kraft lignin foams were prepared by a baking process. Replacing up to 20% of the starch with lignin has no effect on foam density or overall morphology. At 10% replacement, lignin marginally increases water resistance and modulus of elasticity but decreases strain at maximum stress. At 20% replacement, lignin significantly increases water resistance and modulus of elasticity, but decreases flexural strength and strain at maximum stress.