This article focuses on lignin and its interaction with water, which is a critical aspect of various applications and modification of lignin. Efforts to formulate particleboards suitable in a moisturized environment have been a problem in manufacturing industries. Despite particleboards being cheap, water absorption and thickness swelling have been a challenge yet to be solved because it affects over time. Lignin being hydrophobic makes its interaction with water a subject of significant research, particularly regarding its potential as a sustainable and biodegradable material in various industries. The extraction methods of modifying the lignin structure to enhance its compatibility with water broaden its usability in creating water resistance and durable composites, which is discussed. The review paper also explores recent regulatory and market trends related to waste utilization and lignin valorization, addressing the challenges and opportunities in the field of green chemistry and lignocellulosic material. Green chemistry techniques of lignin modification as well as enhancing its mechanical properties are also discussed. Overall, the article suggests that understanding and manipulating lignin’s hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties can lead to significant advancements in sustainable material development while improving product durability in moisture‐rich environments.
Kamande et al. (Thu,) studied this question.