Papers

61,005 results
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Article Tier 2

Nanocellulose Hybrid Lignin Complex Reinforces Cellulose to Form a Strong, Water-Stable Lignin–Cellulose Composite Usable as a Plastic Replacement

This study developed a strong, water-stable composite material made from cellulose and lignin extracted from agricultural waste (sugarcane bagasse), as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic. The lignin-cellulose composite showed dramatically improved wet strength compared to regular cellulose sheets, demonstrating potential as a biodegradable plastic replacement that would not generate persistent microplastic pollution.

2021 Nanomaterials 18 citations
Article Tier 2

Biodegradable, Flexible and Ultraviolet Blocking Nanocellulose Composite Film Incorporated with Lignin Nanoparticles

Composite films combining cellulose nanofibrils with lignin nanoparticles from two isolation methods were fabricated, producing biodegradable, flexible materials with strong UV-blocking performance suitable as plastic film replacements. The lignin-CNF composites achieved UV absorbance through the natural chromophore properties of lignin without requiring synthetic UV additives.

2022 International Journal of Molecular Sciences 42 citations
Article Tier 2

Constructing robust and antioxidant polyurethane–lignin coatings with biodegradable properties for grass press paper films

This study developed polyurethane coatings incorporating lignin to create robust, antioxidant surface treatments with biodegradable characteristics, testing mechanical durability and antioxidant performance. The lignin-modified coatings showed improved oxidative stability while maintaining protective properties.

2024 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 4 citations
Article Tier 2

3D-Printed Polylactic Acid/Lignin Films with Great Mechanical Properties and Tunable Functionalities towards Superior UV-Shielding, Haze, and Antioxidant Properties

Researchers incorporated lignin into polylactic acid (PLA) to create 3D-printable composite filaments, finding that lignin addition improved mechanical properties and enabled tunable functionalities in the resulting films, expanding options for sustainable additive manufacturing materials.

2023 Polymers 17 citations
Article Tier 2

Conversion of Cellulose and Lignin Residues into Transparent UV-Blocking Composite Films

Researchers developed UV-blocking composite films by chemically converting cellulose and lignin residues from three biomass sources (aspen wood, poplar wood, and corn stover) via a dissolution-regeneration process, assessing their UV-blocking performance as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastic films. Results showed that all three lignin residue types enhanced the UV-blocking properties of the composite films, supporting their potential in functional biorefinery-integrated packaging.

2022 Molecules 13 citations
Article Tier 2

All-biodegradable soy protein isolate/lignin composite cross-linked by oxidized sucrose as agricultural mulch films for green farming

Researchers developed an all-biodegradable mulch film made from soy protein, lignin, and oxidized sucrose as a green alternative to conventional plastic agricultural films. The film demonstrated improved tensile strength, UV-shielding capability, moisture retention, and controlled fertilizer release properties. Field tests showed higher cabbage seed germination rates compared to traditional polyethylene film, suggesting this bio-based material could reduce microplastic generation from agricultural practices.

2022 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 52 citations
Article Tier 2

Biodegradable UV-Protective Composite Film from Cellulosic Waste: Utilisation of Cotton Gin Motes as Biocomponent

Researchers developed biodegradable composite films by compounding cotton gin mote waste powder (up to 50% by weight) with polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene glycol plasticizer, using a solvent-free melt extrusion process. The resulting films exhibited UV-shielding properties from lignin in the cotton waste, with 9.5 MPa yield strength and 442% elongation, offering a renewable alternative to non-biodegradable plastic films.

2023 Polymers 4 citations
Article Tier 2

High-performance biodegradable poly(lactic acid) composites with xylan and lignin copolymer

Researchers developed high-performance biodegradable poly(lactic acid) composites by incorporating xylan and lignin derived from lignocellulosic biomass, improving PLA mechanical properties and addressing its brittleness limitations while maintaining biodegradability as a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

2025 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Article Tier 2

Green and Scalable Preparation of Colloidal Suspension of Lignin Nanoparticles and Its Application in Eco-friendly Sunscreen Formulations

Researchers developed a scalable, solvent-free method to produce lignin nanoparticles and demonstrated their use as a natural UV-absorbing ingredient in eco-friendly sunscreen formulations, offering a biodegradable alternative to synthetic UV filters.

2021 ACS Omega 48 citations
Article Tier 2

Effect of silane modifiednano‐SiO2on the mechanical properties and compatibility ofPBAT/lignin composite films

This study developed biodegradable PBAT/lignin composite films reinforced with silane-modified silica nanoparticles, aiming to improve mechanical strength while maintaining UV-blocking properties useful for agricultural film applications. Developing high-performance biodegradable agricultural plastics is important for reducing the plastic mulch that is a major source of microplastic contamination in farmland soils.

2021 Journal of Applied Polymer Science 24 citations
Article Tier 2

Functional surfaces, films, and coatings with lignin – a critical review

This review examines the use of lignin, the most abundant polyaromatic biopolymer, in functional coatings and films. Researchers highlight lignin's intrinsic properties including UV-blocking, oxygen scavenging, and antimicrobial capabilities, with applications ranging from food packaging to antifouling membranes as a potential replacement for fossil-based polymers.

2023 RSC Advances 137 citations
Article Tier 2

Effect of the combined addition of ultrasonicated kraft lignin and montmorillonite on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose bionanocomposites

Researchers incorporated ultrasonicated kraft lignin (0-10% w/w) and montmorillonite clay (3% w/w) into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose bionanocomposite films, finding that the combination reduced oxygen permeability by 65.8% and water vapour permeability by 43.8%, while also providing UV-shielding, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial activity through synergistic lignin-clay interactions.

2023 Nanoscale Advances 4 citations
Article Tier 2

Nano-Structured Lignin as Green Antioxidant and UV Shielding Ingredient for Sunscreen Applications

This review covered the use of lignin nanoparticles as green antioxidants and UV-shielding agents in sunscreen and antiaging cosmetics, highlighting the enhanced properties of nanoscale lignin derived from pulp and paper industry waste.

2021 Antioxidants 150 citations
Article Tier 2

Effects of Lignin on the Thermal and Morphological Properties and Damages Mechanisms after UV Irradiation of Polypropylene Biocomposites Reinforced with Flax and Pine Fibres: Acoustic Emission Analysis

This is not about microplastic pollution — it is a materials science study examining how lignin content affects the UV aging, thermal degradation, and structural damage of polypropylene composites reinforced with flax and pine wood fibers, evaluated using acoustic emission analysis.

2024 Preprints.org 2 citations
Article Tier 2

Adsorbing nanoplastics through high-resilience lignin–polyurethane foam

Researchers developed a lignin-infused polyurethane foam that removes nanoplastics from water using two mechanisms: physical trapping in the foam's pores and chemical bonding between the plastic particles and lignin's molecular structure. This offers a promising, plant-derived approach to filtering tiny plastic particles from contaminated water. As nanoplastics are increasingly found in drinking water sources and human tissue, materials that can capture them efficiently are an important part of the solution.

2025 New Journal of Chemistry 1 citations
Article Tier 2

Deep eutectic solvent-mediated extraction of lignin: A novel strategy for producing high-quality biopolymers in controlled-release mulching applications

Researchers developed a biodegradable mulch film made from lignin, chitosan, and polyvinyl alcohol that can also slowly release fertilizer to crops. The film matched the thermal insulation and water retention properties of conventional plastic mulch while breaking down naturally in soil. The study offers a promising alternative to plastic mulch films, which are a major source of microplastic contamination in agricultural soils.

2025 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 12 citations
Article Tier 2

Study of Hybrid Humic Acids Modification of Environmentally Safe Biodegradable Films Based on Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose

Researchers modified hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose biodegradable films with different types of humic acids from lignite, producing hybrid films with improved mechanical strength and antibacterial properties as a safer alternative to synthetic plastic films.

2023 Chemistry & Chemical Technology 20 citations
Article Tier 2

Investigation of the Protective Function of a Lignin Coating of Natural Fiber Geotextiles against Biodegradation

Researchers investigated whether lignin coatings can protect natural fiber geotextiles from soil degradation and UV-driven breakdown, finding that lignin treatment can extend the functional lifespan of biodegradable geotextiles as a more sustainable alternative to synthetic ones.

2023 Materials 17 citations
Article Tier 2

Structurally engineered cellulose-based mulch film with enhanced hydrophobicity and strength for green agriculture

This paper develops a cellulose-based mulch film coated with starch and a silane compound to mimic the strength and water resistance of conventional plastic agricultural film, achieving a water contact angle of 128 degrees (up from 16 degrees for untreated cellulose) and complete biodegradation in soil within 56 days. Unlike polyethylene mulch films that fragment into persistent microplastics in farmland, this material decomposes within a crop growing cycle, offering a practical biodegradable alternative for agriculture.

2026 International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Article Tier 2

Cellulosic Functional Bioplastic with Tunable Strength and Toughness Through Heat‐Treatment of Dynamic Covalent Networks

Researchers created a high-performance biodegradable film from cellulose and lignin using reversible chemical bonds that can be tuned through heat treatment. The material achieves impressive mechanical properties with tensile strength up to 52 MPa and elongation up to 545%, along with UV shielding and oxygen barrier capabilities. The study presents a scalable approach for producing recyclable bioplastics that could serve as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.

2025 Advanced Science 6 citations
Article Tier 2

A multifunctional biogenic films and coatings from synergistic aqueous dispersion of wood-derived suberin and cellulose nanofibers

Researchers developed multifunctional bio-based packaging films and coatings using suberin, an industrial byproduct, stabilized with amphiphilic cellulose nanofibers. The resulting materials demonstrated UV shielding and antimicrobial properties while serving as effective food packaging. The study presents a sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging that could help reduce microplastic pollution from packaging degradation.

2024 Carbohydrate Polymers 17 citations
Article Tier 2

Green Preparation of Flexible and Transparent SiO2-Fe2O3-PS film for Dye Adsorption and UV-Shielding Applications

Researchers developed a multifunctional polymer nanocomposite film made from waste polystyrene and natural materials that can absorb dyes and block UV radiation. Repurposing plastic waste into useful materials like this could help reduce the amount of plastic that fragments into microplastics in the environment.

2023
Article Tier 2

Lignin beyond the status quo: recent and emerging composite applications

This review examines recent advances in using lignin, a natural plant polymer, as a component in composite materials across various industries. Researchers highlight how lignin-based composites can serve as biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics in packaging, construction, and other applications. The study suggests that scaling up lignin-based materials could help reduce dependence on petroleum-derived plastics and the resulting microplastic pollution.

2023 Green Chemistry 114 citations
Article Tier 2

Biomimetic Self-Reinforcing Recyclable Biomass-Derived Sustainable Materials

Researchers developed a biomimetic, self-reinforcing recyclable polyester material derived entirely from biomass lignin and soybeans as a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics. The material leverages a [2+2]-cycloaddition reaction through aromatic pi-conjugated vinylidene structures to enhance mechanical performance under environmental aging conditions.

2025