Beam plasma technologies for processing cellulose and lignins

Applications of nonequilibrium low temperature plasmas for the processing of biopolymers (cellulose, lignin and its derivatives) are described. The techniques based on plasma-assisted processes are developed, viz. destruction of biopolymers solid powders in electron beam plasma (EBP), generated by the injection of the electron beam into dense gaseous media; functionalization of polysaccharides materials and lignins in hybrid plasma produced by an electron beam injection into RF gas discharge plasma.The formation of oligosaccharides with molecular weight 800-2000 Da and polymerization degree varying from dimers to heptamers during the EBP-stimulated destruction of cellulose, chitin, and chitosan powders is observed. The EBP- and HP- treatment of polysaccharides sponges were found to change the surfaces morphology, improve hydrophilicity and cause the formation of chemically active groups. Further grafting of the blood clotting protein thrombin and lactic acid is performed in HP modified surfaces of cellulose sponges, hydrolyzed lignin and lignosulfonates.