Multivariate correlation between C-13 and P-31 NMR spectral data on dissolved lignin and the combustion properties of kraft black liquor

A multivariate chemometric analysis was performed to establish what relatio nships subsist between the relevant combustion properties (burning time and swelling) of softwood and hardwood kraft black liquors and the chemical st ructure of the dissolved lignin in these liquors. The lignin material was c haracterized in terms of NMR and average molecular mass data. C-13 and P-31 NMR spectra were used to reveal the total amount of different aliphatic an d phenolic hydroxyl groups. On the basis of all the analytical data, a rela tively accurate model for predicting the combustion properties of kraft bla ck liquors was developed. Copyright (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.