Novel Lignin from Pine Wood Chips using Microwave-Assisted Organosolv Method

Abstract

The microwave-assisted Organosolv method for lignin extraction from pine wood chips, conducted in temperatures between 165°C to 205°C, is thoroughly examined in this study. Critical insights emerge as the highest lignin yield, standing at 25.237%, is achieved at 205°C, while purity reaches its pinnacle at 88.3% when operating at 195°C. Moreover, an optimal residence time of 30 minutes was optimised to achieve maximum yields of 1.93% of lignin-rich material. Microwave technology demonstrates advantages such as rapid heating and environmental friendliness, underscoring the need for judicious temperature-energy balance. A robust lignin calibration curve has been established, facilitating the precise determination of lignin concentration, ultimately revealing a lignin content of 19.582% with an STD of ±2.3% in the initial pine wood chips. These insights could be used to promote the utilisation of lignocellulosic biomass sustainably, emphasising the significance of temperature management in practical applications.