Lignin
micro- and nanoparticles (LMNPs) synthesized from side-streams
of pulp and paper and biorefinery operations have been proposed for
the generation of new, high-value materials. As sustainable alternatives
to particles of synthetic or mineral origins, LMNPs viability depends
on scale-up, manufacturing cost, and applications. By using experimental
data as primary source of information, along with industrial know-how,
we analyze dry and spherical LMNPs obtained by our recently reported
aerosol/atomization method. First, a preliminary evaluation toward
the commercial production of LMNPs from industrial lignin precursors
is presented. Following, we introduce potential LMNPs applications
from a financial perspective. Mass and energy balances, operating
costs, and capital investment are estimated and discussed in view
of LMNPs scalability prospects. The main potential market segments
identified (from a financial perspective) include composite nanofillers,
solid foams, emulsion stabilizers, chelating agents, and UV protection.
Our technical, financial, and market assessment represent the basis
for R&D planning and efforts to lower the risk related to expected
industrialization efforts. Manufacturing costs were estimated between
870 and 1170 USD/t; also, minimum selling prices varied from 1240
and 1560 USD/t, depending on raw materials used. Sensitivity analysis
indicated that manufacturing cost can be as low as 600 USD/t, depending
on the process conditions considered. Finally, based on the financial
assessment, potential applications were identified.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.