A cascade valorization of Kenaf stalk for the preparation of lignin sunscreens and papermaking

Lignin has been regarded as a potential natural sun screening agent. However, the dark color of traditional industrial lignin hinders its application in the field of skincare. In this study, a green and facile approach was developed to extract light-colored lignin. p-Toluenesulfonic acid (p-TsOH) was used to separate lignin and fibers from Kenaf stalks. During the isolation of lignin, formaldehyde was added to preserve the β-O-4 bonds of lignins in the form of stable acetals. The obtained lignin was further employed to prepare nanoparticles (LNPs) as sunscreen additives. After adding 4 wt% LNPs, the SPF values of the cream increased from 7.05 to 27.84. The residual fibers from the Kenaf stalks can be utilized for papermaking as the raw materials. by mixing them with softwood pulp to reduce the consumption of commercial pulp. With the addition of 5 wt% residual fibers in commercial softwood pulp, the produced paper showed better mechanical properties. The ring crush strength index and tear index of the samples increased from 2.49 N·m/g and 4.63 mN·m2/g to 2.62 N·m/g and 4.75 mN·m2/g, respectively. This study paved a way for the comprehensive utilization of Kenaf stalks towards not only papermaking but also daily chemical products. •Light-colored lignin was fractionated from Kenaf Stalk by p-TsOH/FA solvent.•LNPs showed great enhancement of UV resistant to the commercial lotions.•The residual Kenaf fibers can improve the physical properties of paper.