Applications of Cellulose Nanowhiskers and Lignin In Preparation Of Rigid Polyurethane Nanocomposite Foams

Lignin is the second most abundant biopolymer on Earth, right after cellulose, with a highly complex chemical structure that hinders its possible utilizations. As a consequence, it is mostly burned as an inexpensive resource, generating green electricity or heat that in turn can be used for the deconstruction of biomass itself. Applications that utilize lignin in different manners are of great interest, due to its inexpensive nature and promising return in case an efficient conversion process is discovered with possibly a high value end-product. The integrated biorefinery concept formulates that all biomass components should be used to their maximal potential to minimize emissions and generate a renewable biopolymer-based industry.