Extraction and properties of nonwoody lignin: a sustainable perspective

Usof, Faiqah Batrisyia and Che Man, Siti Hajjar and Mohd Yusof, Abdul Halim and Adrus, Nadia and Ali, Fathilah and Mohd Fairuz, Fatin Humaira and Marzuizuddin, Marsya Syahira and Mohd Salmi, Aziha and Md. Mohtar, Ammar Arsyad and Jamaluddin, Jamarosliza (2026) Extraction and properties of nonwoody lignin: a sustainable perspective. In: Nonwoody plant lignin for advanced applications. Springer, Singapore, Singapore, pp. 23-54. ISBN 978-981-95-7567-1

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Abstract

Lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer after cellulose, is a key structural component of plant cell walls and a renewable feedstock for sustain-able materials. Nonwoody lignin from agricultural residues and fast growing plants such as rice husk, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse, hemp, flax, jute, sisal, and abaca differs markedly from woody lignin in structure and reactivity. It is rich in hydrox-yphenyl units and ester linked hydroxycinnamic acids, giving it lower molecular weight, higher heterogeneity, and greater chemical reactivity. These features enhance its potential for conversion into functional biomaterials and biobased products. This chapter reviews extraction and characterization of nonwoody lignin. Conven-tional methods such as acid hydrolysis, alkaline pulping, and organosolv extrac-tion remain common but often degrade lignin and generate waste. Newer green extraction approaches include deep eutectic solvents, ionic liquids, enzymatic treat-ments, microwave assisted processes, and supercritical fluids better preserve native structures, improve purity, and reduce environmental impact. The physicochemical properties of nonwoody lignin are examined through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), thermogravimetric anal-ysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and molecular weight analysis. These techniques reveal its diverse functional groups, relatively low thermal stability, and high reactivity, making it suitable for polymers, resins, composites, and specialty chemicals. Overall, sustainable extraction coupled with systematic characterization is essential to unlock the full potential of nonwoody lignin. Continued advances in green technologies and structural understanding will strengthen its role in the circular bioeconomy.

Item Type:	Book Chapter
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SD Forestry T Technology > TP Chemical technology > TP155 Chemical engineering
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Engineering > Department of Biotechnology Engineering
Depositing User:	Dr Fathilah Ali
Date Deposited:	21 Oct 2026 10:37
Last Update:	21 Oct 2026 10:37
Queue Number:	2026-10-Q5756
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/131224
Indexed In:	SCOPUS

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