Lignin Coating for Durable Geotextiles

Date:27 Oct 2023

Country: Germany

Application

• This project focuses on using lignin-based coatings to enhance the durability of natural fiber textiles, particularly in geotextile applications. It can be used in civil engineering projects like soil erosion control, drainage systems, and road construction, where biodegradable, long-lasting materials are needed.

Description

The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research Denkendorf (DITF) have developed a bio-based lignin coating for natural fiber geotextiles, aimed at extending their service life in soil. The lignin coating, applied to yarns and textile surfaces, helps prevent rapid degradation while remaining biodegradable. Positive results from testing show that thicker coatings offer prolonged protection, making them suitable for sustainable civil engineering applications. Further research is needed to integrate lignin as a valuable material in the textile industry.

Pathway Description:

The process used in this project involves applying a lignin-based bio-coating to natural fiber yarns and textile surfaces. The lignin coating is blended with softer biopolymers to improve its flexibility and applied to the fibers using adapted coating systems, followed by testing for biodegradation and durability in soil burial tests.