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2026 Vol.58, Issue 2 Preview Page

Original Paper

Development of Hydrophobic Melamine Foam Using Acetylated Lignin for Efficient Water Separation

효율적인 유수분리를 위한 아세틸화 리그닌을 이용한 소수성 멜라민 폼 개발

Ji Won Yang1
,
Ji Won Heo1
,
Min Soo Kim1
,
Da Ye Kim1
,
Yong Sik Kim2†
양 지원1
,
허 지원1
,
김 민수1
,
김 다예1
,
김 용식2†
1Department of Paper Science & Engineering, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University
2Department of Paper Science & Engineering, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University
1강원대학교 산림환경과학대학 제지공학과 대학원생
2강원대학교 산림환경과학대학 제지공학과 교수
†Corresponding Author: E-mail: yongsikk@kangwon.ac.kr (Address: Department of Paper Science & Engineering, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea)
30 April 2026. pp. 77-87
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Abstract

In this study, lignin was acetylated to enhance its hydrophobicity and applied to a porous substrate to evaluate its oil–water separation performance. Through the acetylation reaction, hydroxyl groups in lignin were reduced and acetyl groups were introduced, resulting in changes in surface properties. Chemical analyses confirmed that the chemical modification of lignin was successfully achieved. Water contact angle measurements showed a contact angle of approximately 150°, indicating a significant improvement in hydrophobicity. Morphological analysis confirmed that the porous structure of the substrate was maintained, and thermal analysis demonstrated that the composite foam preserved its structural stability. Oil–water separation experiments revealed high separation efficiency and filtration performance. Overall, the results confirm that acetylation is an effective surface modification method and demonstrate the strong potential of lignin as a functional material for oil–water separation applications.

Keywords
Kraft lignin
acetylation
hydrophobic modification
melamine foam
oil–water separation
surface wettability
sustainable functional materials
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Information
  • Publisher :Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국펄프종이공학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of Korea TAPPI
  • Journal Title(Ko) :펄프종이기술
  • Volume : 58
  • No :2
  • Pages :77-87
  • Received Date : 2026-03-05
  • Revised Date : 2026-04-01
  • Accepted Date : 2026-04-03
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7584/JKTAPPI.2026.4.58.2.77
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