Lignin. Structural organisation and fractal properties

The results of investigations of the topological and supramolecular structures of lignins are considered. The experimental data on the hydrodynamic and conformational properties of dilute solutions of hardwood and softwood lignins are generalised. The relationship between hydrodynamic and fractal properties of lignin macromolecules is analysed and the applicability of various fractal concepts is discussed. Good prospects of using the fractal approach for the study of amorphous polymers with complex topological and supramolecular structures are demonstrated.