Characterization of Klason lignin samples isolated from beech and aspen using microbore column size-exclusion chromatography

Abstract

The present study is focused on the separation and characterization of lignin samples isolated by Klason method from European beech (Fagus sylvatica) broadleaf hardwood and European aspen (Populus tremula) broadleaf softwood by size-exclusion chromatography. The separation was carried out using dimethylformamide as major component of the mobile phase and a 3 mm id microbore column packed with hydroxyethyl methacrylate gel, calibrated with polystyrene standards. The influence of mobile phase composition and sample solvent composition on the chromatographic behavior and molar mass distributions was investigated.

Keywords: Klason lignin; hydroxyethyl methacrylate; microbore columns; size-exclusion chromatography.