Solid-state properties of softwood lignin and cellulose isolated by a new acid precipitation method.

Solid-state and powder properties of softwood lignin and cellulose prepared by a new catalytic oxidation and acid precipitation method were characterized and compared with the commercial softwood and hardwood lignin and cellulose products. Catalytic pre-treated softwood lignin (CPSL) and cellulose (CPSC) were isolated from pine wood (Pinus sylvestris). CPSL with nearly micronized-scale particle size showed excellent powder flow and densification behavior due to the round shape and electrically minimum charged surface characteristics of particles. CPSL and the reference lignin studied were amorphous solids while CPSC exhibited a typical crystal lattice for cellulose I. In conclusion, physicochemical material properties of lignin and cellulose can be modified for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications with the present catalytic oxidation and acid precipitation method.