Researchers ethanol-fractionated coconut-husk lignin, selected CNF1 and performed microwave-assisted maleation across temperatures and maleic-anhydride ratios. Esterification peaked at 180°C and 1:10, improving thermo-oxidative stability while reducing antioxidant activity as phenolic hydroxyl groups declined, revealing an application-dependent trade-off.
Key findings
- Maleation increased particle size while structures remained largely amorphous. Higher esterification accompanied lower antioxidant activity. Sample 10MA180 reached T2,O2 of 12.55 minutes, 84.90% residual mass and the lowest 60-minute oxidative weight loss.
Why this matters globally
Coconut husk is abundant tropical waste. Functional nanolignin could add value and displace fossil-derived additives in coatings or composites if scale-up and life-cycle performance are demonstrated.
Thai researcher contribution
Kasetsart and Burapha researchers used a major Thai agricultural residue to build structure-property evidence through green-chemistry and materials analysis.
Limitations to consider
Evidence remains at material-sample level without product-matrix testing. Yield, energy balance, solvent recovery, microwave uniformity, life-cycle and cost data are incomplete. A 1:10 reagent ratio at 180°C may carry process burdens.
Verify the original sources
International Journal of Molecular SciencesRead the original article↗DOI: 10.3390/ijms27135950