Chengji Yang: Mechanochemical modification of bio-based materials

Lignocellulose source, as a high-potential renewable feedstock, holds a significant promise for the development of sustainable thermoplastic, bio-composite and textile materials. Among the available modification strategies, esterification is particularly important for introducing functional groups and tailoring material properties. However, conventional solvent-based modification methods often require large quantities of solvents and high temperatures, posing safety risks and increasing costs. In contrast, mechanochemical modification via ball milling has demonstrated its effectiveness in covalently modifying cellulose with target functional groups while minimizing solvent use and eliminating the need for heating. Building on these advantages, our work focuses on using mechanochemistry to modify lignocellulose materials for packaging applications and as additives in biocomposites. Beyond material functionalization, the reduced solvent demand and external heating highlight the potential of this approach for more sustainable processing. From an industrial perspective, this approach also considers the future scale-up of mechanochemical lignocellulose modification as a promising route toward the production of value-added bio-based materials.