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Review

Tailoring Polymer Properties through Lignin Addition: A Recent Perspective on Lignin-Derived Polymer Modifications

by
Nawoda L. Kapuge Dona
and
Rhett C. Smith
*
Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Molecules 2025, 30(11), 2455; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30112455
Submission received: 28 April 2025 / Revised: 26 May 2025 / Accepted: 30 May 2025 / Published: 3 June 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Materials Based on Lignocellulosic Biomass)

Abstract

Lignin, an abundant and renewable biopolymer, has gained significant attention as a sustainable modifier and building block in polymeric materials. Recent advancements highlight its potential to tailor mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of polymers while offering a greener alternative to petroleum-based additives. This review provides an updated perspective on the incorporation of lignin into various polymer matrices, focusing on lignin modification techniques, structure–property relationships, and emerging applications. Special emphasis is given to recent innovations in lignin functionalization and its role in developing high-performance, biodegradable, and recyclable materials such as polyurethanes, epoxy resins, phenol-formaldehyde resins, lignin-modified composites, and lignin-based films, coatings, elastomers, and adhesives. These lignin-based materials are gaining attention for potential applications in construction, automated industries, packaging, textiles, wastewater treatment, footwear, supporting goods, automobiles, printing rollers, sealants, and binders.
Keywords: Lignin; polyurethane; epoxy resins; phenol-formaldehyde resin; PLA; films; additives Lignin; polyurethane; epoxy resins; phenol-formaldehyde resin; PLA; films; additives

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Kapuge Dona, N.L.; Smith, R.C. Tailoring Polymer Properties through Lignin Addition: A Recent Perspective on Lignin-Derived Polymer Modifications. Molecules 2025, 30, 2455. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30112455

AMA Style

Kapuge Dona NL, Smith RC. Tailoring Polymer Properties through Lignin Addition: A Recent Perspective on Lignin-Derived Polymer Modifications. Molecules. 2025; 30(11):2455. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30112455

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kapuge Dona, Nawoda L., and Rhett C. Smith. 2025. "Tailoring Polymer Properties through Lignin Addition: A Recent Perspective on Lignin-Derived Polymer Modifications" Molecules 30, no. 11: 2455. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30112455

APA Style

Kapuge Dona, N. L., & Smith, R. C. (2025). Tailoring Polymer Properties through Lignin Addition: A Recent Perspective on Lignin-Derived Polymer Modifications. Molecules, 30(11), 2455. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30112455

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