Demonstration of techno-economic viability of unique alkali-O2 oxidation technology for upgrading and conversion of underutilized lignin side-streams into versatile, cost-competitive and biobased dispersants, especially high-performance concrete plasticizers (TRL 6)

Project website
2017 - 2021
5.4 million

Pieter Vandezande

+32 14 33 56 39
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VITO's role

  • Post-treatment of oxidized lignin using membrane filtration, targeting enhanced plasticizer performance, improved applicability and recovery of process chemicals
  • Design and pilot scale demonstration of integrated membrane processes tailored  to various oxidized lignin types, considered essential for techno-economic feasibility of overall LigniOx technology

Consortium

Abstract

The aim of the LigniOx Innovation Action is to demonstrate the techno-economic viability of alkali-O2 oxidation technology (LigniOx) for conversion of variable lignin-rich side-streams into versatile dispersants, especially high-performance concrete and mortar plasticizers.

Both the oxidation technology and end-product performance will be demonstrated at operation conditions, enabling industrial process installations and entry of novel lignin products into the market after the project, replacing  current synthetic superplasticizers and lignosulphonate products. The versatile LigniOx technology can be integrated into lignocellulosic biorefineries, or be operated as a stand-alone unit by chemical industry.  The valorisation of lignin side-streams will significantly improve the cost-competitiveness and resource efficiency of lignocellulosic biorefineries, while creating low-cost, sustainable raw materials for the chemical industry.

The most prevalent techno-economic concepts for industrial process installations will be defined. Oxidation conditions will be optimized for variable lignin raw materials, and post-treatment based on membrane technologies will be developed, to meet the requirements of target end-product.

A mobile pilot unit will be constructed for scale-up and process demonstrations at biorefineries. The viability of the process concepts will be demonstrated in operation conditions at kraft pulp mill and other biorefineries. Conceptual design will be performed to ensure proper integration of industrial LigniOx processes at the biorefineries or operation in stand-alone units.