Use of Lignin in Nonwoven Materials

Ken McCarthy, Clean Room Coating Solutions

In the earlier presentation, we discussed how nonwovens are used in several applications and how they are manufactured. In this presentation, we will discuss how the natural compound lignin can be used in several nonwoven applications. Lignin is a class of complex organic polymers that form key structural materials in the support tissues of most plants. Lignins are particularly important in the formation of cell walls, especially in wood and bark, because they lend rigidity and do not rot easily. Lignin based nonwovens provide significant opportunities to replace petroleum based compounds. We will discuss several of the current efforts to use lignin in nonwovens, the opportunities, and the limitations. We will also discuss the best nonwoven processes for taking advantage of the benefits of lignin.