Polymers Webinar | Lignin-Based Polymers
the chair
4th Polymers Webinar
Lignin-Based Polymers
We would like to invite you to an upcoming webinar that aims to highlight cutting-edge research on lignin-based polymers and their applications, specifically in the production of adhesives, polyurethane, and polystyrene. This event is being organized in conjunction with a Special Issue of Polymers focused on the sustainable use of lignin-based polymers in advanced materials. Three expert speakers will present their latest findings and insights on how lignin, the most abundant natural aromatic polymer, can provide enhanced performance, a reduced carbon footprint, and improved economics in comparison to conventional fossil-carbon based polymers. This webinar is a great opportunity for researchers, students, and industry professionals who are interested in biobased polymers and sustainable materials to learn, connect, and contribute to this rapidly evolving field. We look forward to your participation.
Date: 30 July 2025
Time: 3 pm CEST | 9 pm CST Asia | 9 am EDT
Webinar ID: 847 9176 0880
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Meet the Event Chair
Meet Our Speakers
Dr. Prajakta Dongre
Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI, United States;
Prajakta Dongre is a postdoctoral researcher at the Wisconsin Energy Institute, University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research spans lignin chemistry, biomass processing, and polymer science, with a strong focus on lignin-based polymers. She completed her PhD working on the synthesis and characterization of lignin-derived thermosets and thermoplastics, and previously worked at the USDA Forest Products Laboratory on green solvent-based lignin extraction. Her current work involves oxidative depolymerization of lignin to produce platform chemicals for renewable materials.
Dr. Julia Figueiredo
Forest Products Department, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil;
Julia is a forest engineer with a master’s degree in Forestry Sciences from the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), where she was a member of the Pulp and Paper Laboratory (LCP) research group, and a PhD in Environmental and Forestry Sciences from the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ). During her PhD program, she participated in an exchange program at SUNY-ESF in Syracuse, NY, conducting research at the Lignocellulosic Biorefinery Laboratory (LBL) in partnership with Paper Packaging and Beyond (PP&B). Throughout her academic career, she has developed expertise in biomass characterization, kraft and chemo-mechanical pulping, TCF and ECF bleaching, and refining operations. More recently, she has focused on lignin and tannin for the creation of new materials and sustainable applications.
Ms. Jiae Ryu
Department of Chemical Engineering State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, United States;
Jiae Ryu is a Ph.D. candidate in chemical engineering at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and she also holds a master's degree in Paper Science Engineering from Kyungpook National University. She began her Ph.D. in 2022, and her work centers around the sustainable valorization of lignocellulosic biomass, particularly lignin, through innovative chemical modification, solvent systems, green chemistry, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Sponsors and Partners
Organizer
Summary
Lignin-Based Polymers
30 July 2025, 9:00am EDT – 3 pm CEST – 9 pm CST Asia
Chair: Biljana Bujanovic, PhD, USDA-FS-Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI
This webinar showcased innovative research and emerging applications of lignin, the most abundant natural aromatic polymer, as a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic, fossil-carbon materials. As the polymer industry searches for solutions to improve performance, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance cost-effectiveness, lignin has gained attention for its unique chemical properties and wide availability. The webinar focused specifically on the integration of lignin into polymer systems, highlighting recent advances in adhesives, polyurethanes, and polystyrene. This event was organized in conjunction with a Special Issue of Polymers, focused on the sustainable use of lignin as a polymer in advanced materials, Lignin-Based Polymers.
Speaker #1: Prajakta Dongre, PhD, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, WI
Lignin for Formaldehyde-Free Resin Applications
This talk addressed the replacement of phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins, widely used in adhesives and coatings, which are petrochemical-based and raise health concerns due to formaldehyde’s carcinogenicity, with sustainable, formaldehyde-free lignin-furfural resins. The research focused on lignins recovered from various hot water-extracted biomass sources and biorefinery processes. These lignins were extensively characterized, and resins were tested for mechanical strength on inert glass fiber filters and paper substrates. Lignins from miscanthus and acid-hydrolyzed sugar maple showed superior mechanical properties, attributed to their high syringyl-to-guaiacyl (S/G) ratios and phenolic hydroxyl group content, making these lignin-furfural resins competitive with PF resins.
Speaker #2: Julia de Cristo Figueiredo, PhD, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Lignin-Based Polyurethane Coatings for Sustainable Paper Packaging
The presentation overviewed the development of lignin-based polyurethane coatings for sustainable paper packaging applications. Kraft lignin was used as the primary polyol, combined with gamma-valerolactone (GVL), hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), and 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) as a catalyst to produce a bio-based coating. When applied to paper, the coating enhanced barrier properties, including resistance to air, water, and oil/grease, while maintaining mechanical performance. Additionally, biodegradability and repulpability were also evaluated, showing promising results, but indicating a need for further optimization or revised testing protocols for reliable long-term performance evaluation.
Speaker #3: Jiae Ryu, PhD Candidate, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY
Synthesis of Lignin-Polystyrene Copolymer from Forest Residues: A Case Study with Ponderosa Pine
This presentation demonstrated the conversion of lignin derived from forest restoration residues, Ponderosa pine from the Western U.S., into a lignin-polystyrene copolymer. The research aimed to valorize biomass from wildfire mitigations efforts by incorporating lignin into polystyrene through a process involving extraction, chemical modification, and radical copolymerization with styrene. During 1,4-butanediol extraction, the lignin was etherified, and its subsequent chemical modification and copolymerization with styrene produced material showing improved thermal stability compared to neat polystyrene. This study highlighted lignin’s potential not only as a feedstock for sustainable materials but also as a performance-enhancing component in petrochemical polymers.
In this section, you will find the recordings of this webinar to watch, re-watch and share with your colleagues!
Guest Editor: Dr. Biljana Bujanovic
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025