New Insights into Lignocellulosic-Based Materials and Their Multifunctional Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Lignocellulosic refers to materials that are composed of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. These materials are typically derived from plant biomass such as wood, agricultural residues, or energy crops. Lignocellulosic materials are abundant and renewable, exhibiting high reactivity surface and functionality along with relatively low density and cost, and are of great interest to various industries, including bioenergy, biorefinery, and paper and pulp production. The cellulose and hemicellulose components can be converted into sugars that can then be fermented into biofuels, while the lignin can be used as a feedstock for the production of high-value chemicals and materials. However, the complex structure of lignocellulosic materials makes them difficult to break down into their constituent components. Various pre-treatment and processing techniques are required to make the cellulose and hemicellulose accessible to enzymes that can convert them into sugars. Research is ongoing to develop more efficient and cost-effective processes for the conversion of lignocellulosic materials into useful products such as cellulose fibres, micro- and nano-cellulose, epoxides, phenolic resins and bioplastics for a wide range of applications such as biorefining for biofuel and biochemical production, biomedical, cosmetic- and pharmaceuticals, multifunctional carbon materials and other eco-friendly speciality products. Therefore, the use of these materials can help to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable future.

This Special Issue is open to scientists conducting experimental and/or numerical research in one of the fields listed below. However, this list is not exhaustive and can cover other topics that offer insights from a broader perspective on the development and implementation of:

1. Biomass-based materials
2. Lignocellulosic-based materials
3. Composites
4. Adhesives
5. Polymeric formulations
6. Functional and nanostructured materials
7. Coatings

Dr. Sandra Magina
Dr. Marina Silva Matos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• biomass
• polymers
• lignin
• cellulose
• hemicelluloses
• composites
• chemical modification