Valorization potential of technical lignins from Norway spruce (Picea abies) via pyrolysis

Analytical pyrolysis (Py-GC/MS) on mg-scale of Norway spruce (Picea abies)-derived kraft lignin, ethanosolv and dried lignin-rich soda-anthraquinone (AQ) black liquors was studied at 500 °C to compare the valorization potential these materials, focusing type yield condensable products. Of particular interest relatively selective formation guaiacol (2-methoxyphenol) from soda-AQ in contrast complex phenolic product mixtures lignins. It shown that this finding could be attributed differences composition structure as assessed by various NMR 2D-GC/FID analyses. From a comparison between analytical results spruce-derived oils were produced earlier research with state-of-the-art kg-scale bubbling fluidized bed reactor, it concluded is suitable predict behavior lignin also larger scale. However, found prediction reliable yields for larger-scale semi-quantitative less accurate, mainly due process conditions, such heating rate hot-vapor-residence times leading secondary degradation reaction individual monomers.