Extraction of Lignin from the Soda Extract of Defatted and Ethanol Extracted Cashew Nut Shell

Abstract

In this study, lignin and hemicellulose soda extracts from the defatted and ethanol extracted cashew nut shell (DAECNS), were precipitated using 6M HCl. The pH was adjusted to 1 and 7 to compare the relative effect of pH on the recoverable weight yield which amounted to 7.00 g and 6.00 g respectively. Further hydrolysis of the above gave acid insoluble of 80% in both cases and tests on these were positive for lignin and negative for sugars. This implies that careful pH control can be used to isolate lignin from its mixture with hemicellulose.