Statement of Work.docx

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

Contents

Project Purchase of planetary mill for the wood/plant cell wall and lignin research and BIL funded “Direct production of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibril (LCNF) and nanopaper (LCNP) from marginal wood for food packaging” project

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

Introduction:

Wood and plant cell walls are intricate structures composed of various polysaccharides and lignins. Understanding these structures through thorough research is crucial for advancing biomass and biofuel research.

Objectives:

1. To provide detailed analytical results to the forest products, wood/plant cell wall, and biomass research communities.

2. To utilize the gel-NMR method, specifically developed for analyzing whole plant cell walls.

3. To isolate and characterize lignin structures as a critical step in understanding plant cell wall composition.

Methodology:

1. Sample Preparation:

· Use a planetary mill to grind plant cell walls into fine particles suitable for NMR analysis and lignin isolation.

2. Gel-NMR Analysis:

· Apply the gel-NMR method to analyze whole plant cell walls.

· Collect and interpret data to understand the composition and structure of polysaccharides and lignins.

3. Lignin Isolation and Characterization:

· Isolate lignin from plant cell wall samples.

· Utilize advanced analytical techniques to elucidate the structure of isolated lignins.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Detailed characterization of plant cell wall components using gel-NMR.

2. Comprehensive understanding of the structure and composition of lignins and polysaccharides.

3. Contributions to the biomass and biofuel research fields with new insights and advancements.

Significance:

This research aims to support the development of sustainable forest products and the efficient utilization of biomass resources, ultimately contributing to advancements in biomass and biofuel technologies.

2.0 Background

Lignin, a key component of wood and plant cell walls, is critical for the structural integrity and functional properties of these materials. To advance the production of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNF) and lignin-containing cellulose nanopaper (LCNP) from marginal wood for food packaging, it is essential to understand lignin’s structure and reactivity. This study emphasizes the importance of using a planetary mill to prepare fine plant cell wall particles, which is fundamental for optimizing the production processes.

A planetary mill is an essential device used to prepare fine plant cell wall particles for NMR analysis and effective lignin extraction. In this research, the preparation of fine plant cell wall samples is a critical step. We employ a planetary mill to efficiently grind plant cell walls into fine particles, ensuring high-quality samples suitable for correct structural characterization through NMR analysis.

Successful lignin structural characterization needs the critical step of cell wall grinding. Isolated lignins or finely ground cell wall cab be subjected to various analytical techniques, including the gel-NMR method, to elucidate their complex structures. This combination of advanced sample preparation and sophisticated analytical techniques enables a comprehensive understanding of plant cell wall composition and lignin structures.

The use of a planetary mill in this process offers several advantages:

· Efficiency: The planetary mill efficiently grinds plant cell walls into fine particles, significantly reducing the time required for sample preparation.

· Particle Size Control: It allows precise control over particle size, ensuring consistency and quality in samples prepared for NMR analysis and lignin extraction.

· Sample Quality: The high-quality samples produced are essential for accurate structural characterization, leading to better insights into lignin’s role within the plant cell wall matrix.

The results of this study will significantly contribute to biomass and biofuel research, offering new insights and advancements in the characterization of wood and plant cell walls. By leveraging the capabilities of the planetary mill for sample preparation, we can enhance our understanding of lignin and improve the processes for producing LCNF and LCNP. This research aims to support the development of sustainable forest products and the efficient utilization of biomass resources, ultimately promoting the creation of innovative, high-performance materials for food packaging.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

1. Able to use small size (e.g., 20 mL) of zirconium oxide bowls to prepare less than 200 mg scale samples.

2. The equipment supports grinding jars available in different volumes (e.g., 20 mL, 40 mL, and 80 mL), constructed from zirconium oxide and other materials to prevent sample contamination. Accommodates a minimum sample volume of 5 mL and a maximum of 50 mL, suitable for a wide range of sample sizes.

3. Rotational Speed: The primary disk operates a rotational speed range up to 1100 rpm with centrifugal acceleration with up to 95 g

4. Provide sunken grinding bowls to secure the bowl position during the grinding without any additional clamping.

5. To close the grinding bowls, the lid is securely fastened with the bowl.

6. Compact size and easily able to place on bench top to operate. Total weight is less than 70 kg.

7. Touchscreen operational

8. Grinding ball diameters 0.1–20 mm

9. 2 grinding stations for grinding bowls 20 mL, 45 mL and 80 mL volume

4.0 Government Furnished

N/A

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

Deliver to US Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, 507 Highland Ave.,Madison, WI 53705 Delivery estimated 4-6 wks AR0

6.0 Travel

Only if installation or training required.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

N/A

8.0 Security Requirements

N/A

9.0 Data Rights

N/A

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standard N/A image1.png