Ligninlike
Ligninlike refers to materials or polymers that resemble lignin in their chemical composition and cross-linked, aromatic structure, but are not identical to plant lignin. The term is used for synthetic or semi-synthetic materials designed to mimic lignin's functionality or to exploit its renewable, phenolic-rich character. Lignin in nature is a highly branched, irregular polyphenolic biopolymer derived from p-coumaryl, coniferyl, and sinapyl alcohols and linked by a variety of ether and carbon–carbon bonds; ligninlike materials aim to emulate this aromatic character while allowing greater control over composition and processing.
Ligninlike polymers can be produced by polymerizing phenolic monomers into condensed networks, using dehydrogenative polymerization, or
Properties vary with architecture but common features include high aromatic content, thermal stability, and pronounced cross-linking;
Challenges include controlling structural heterogeneity, reproducibility, processability, and cost, as well as ensuring sustainable sourcing of