SUPERVISORS: Thomas ROSENAU, Stefan BÖHMDORFER

PROJECT ASSIGNED TO: Matthias GUGGENBERGER

Technical lignins are characterised by a distinct smell that can range from strongly pungent to mildly smoky. In any case, the emission of volatile compounds is a clear obstacle for lignin applications that involve direct or indirect contact with humans. In fact, several lignin applications, such as lignin in burl wood imitations for cars, furniture, rifle shafts and musical instruments, have been developed to production level, but eventually failed due to the odour issue. Nowadays, lignin odour is considered a critical, yet unresolved, problem in lignin utilization. There is only general understanding of lignin volatiles, our first major goal is therefore to develop suitable analytical methodology to enable identifying the origins of the odour and provide tools for monitoring.

Based on that knowledge, methods to reduce or completely eliminate the lignin odour are being elaborated, paving the way for further high value lignin products.