REGULATION OF LIGNOCELLULOSE MATERIALS SORPTION PROPERTIES BY MODIFICATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL APPLICATION

Abstract

The changes in sorption properties of products obtained by modification of water insoluble lignins, wood chemical processing wastes, with silicon containing oligomers and bactericide cations: quaternary ammonium and Cu²⁺, were characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption, hydrophilic-oleophilic properties, model tests towards different organic contaminants, incl. microorganisms. Goal oriented modification of lignin with Si- and N- containing compounds providing appearance in its structure of novel functional groups, reaction sites and variation in matrix rigity allowed to regulate products porous structure and in prospective to obtain efficient sorbents for terrestrial and water ecosystems able to sequestrate and inhibit action of hazardous contaminants and promote biodegradation. Combination of Si-modified lignin, used as a matrix, with inorganic cation Cu²⁺ (a guest phase) results in obtaining of organic-inorganic (OI) hybrid material with an additional dimension to their properties: improved sorption capability towards organic contaminants and high antipathogenic activity. The latter was exemplified by model tests with E.Coli and B.Subtilis: the vital activity of all bacteria sorbed was suppressed.