Smart polymers use the possible functional properties of lignin in an even higher degree of sophistication which will result in even higher value added. Lower quantities of product are necessary as these are used in small objects (micro capsules, microfilms, and downwards the scale until nano-dimensions). Domains of application of these high performance polymers are technical (thin film products like coatings with specific properties, textiles, hydrogels) but also biological (using lignin's potential for interaction with living cells). Films and coatings prepared with biopolymers have shown to be e.g. excellent oxygen, aroma and oil barriers. Furthermore such materials could display variable properties for slow release, insulation, gas barrier, fluorescence, water resistance or colour upon changes in the environment (temperature, chemical functions, pH etc.).
Nanomaterials are expected to show the characteristics of lignin in an even more pronounced degree. As the size of the particles is reduced, the access to the functional groups will be highly increased and phase transitional states that can coexist locally in very low volumes will make possible processes that are not observable at bigger dimensions. Examples where good progresses for nanomaterials derived on biomass are preferentially expected are all aspects related to free radical scavenging (UV absorption, flame retardant etc.) and special characteristics of very thin high resistance and/or high performance coatings. The integration of nano sized particles is also expected to better integrate biomolecules in other polymer networks and create new surprising characteristics in terms of mechanic resistance, flexibility and durability.
