Functional properties of lignocellulosic materials

Abstract

Lignocellulosic materials have achieved a great recognition during the last years due to their structure and multiple functional properties. These materials when subjected to different pre-treatments are separated into cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, and subsequently, they can be converted into high value-added by-products with specific functional characteristics. Besides the chemical, physical and biological properties exhibited for the lignocellulosic fractions, their renewable nature, biodegradability, availability, and low cost, make them very attractive for the industry, mainly for the development of new multifunctional biopolymers with several applications in different fields. This chapter summarizes the main functional properties of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and their derivatives, including mechanical, chemical, thermal, rheological, optical, and physiological properties, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.