Lignin processing products have an extensive using range. Because products properties depend on lignin precursor quality it was interesting to study lignin isolated from rice husk being a large tonnage waste of rice production and its structural transformations during carbonization. Lignin isolated by the thermal hydrolysis method with H2SO4 1 wt % solution and its carbonized products prepared under different carbonization conditions were characterized using elemental analysis, IR, TPD-MS, XRD, TEM, and EPR. It was shown lignin degradation takes place over the wide (220-520 °C) temperature range. Silica presenting in lignin affects the thermal destruction of this polymer. Due to the strong chemical bond with phenolic hydroxylic group it decreases an evaporation of volatile compounds and as a result increases the temperature range of the lignin degradation. Rice husk hydrolytic lignin transformations during carbonization occur with generation of free radicals. Their concentration is decreased after condensation of aromatic rings with carbon polycycles formation, i.e., the graphite-like structure. Quantity and X-ray diffraction characteristics of the graphite-like phase depend on carbonization conditions. Morphology of the lignin-based carbonized products is represented by carbon fibers, carbon and silica nanoparticles, and together with another structure characteristics provides prospective performance properties of lignin-based end products.
Keywords: EPR; IR; TEM; TPD-MS; XRD; carbon structure; carbonization; hydrolytic lignin; pyrolysis; rice husk.