Physical Structure and Interactions between Lignin and its Surroundings

The aim of the project is to gain a deeper fundamental understanding of how the classical structural factors and unique morphology of lignin affects the interaction between lignin and lignin-based materials and its surroundings. The affect of chemical structure and morphology on the material performance of lignin-based materials will be investigated along with the behavior in solution and at solid interfaces. Lignin retrieved from different sources and processes as well as native-like lignin will be studied. Characterization techniques such as NMR, nano-FTIR, SEM, TEM, AFM, DMA together with synchrotron scattering techniques will be employed to analyze the behavior on different length scales, going from molecular- to nano- and macro-level.    Lignin is the largest source of renewable aromatic compounds in nature and shows potential as an alternative to fossil based aromatic compounds. Hence, an increased utilization of lignin could reduce our fossil dependence and direct us towards a more sustainable society.