Abstract: The present invention relates to a tyre for vehicle wheels comprising at least one structural element comprising a crosslinked elastomeric material obtained by crosslinking a crosslinkable elastomeric composition comprising a predispersion of natural rubber and lignin obtained by co-precipitation from latex, where said lignin has a concentration of phenolic groups higher than 2 mmol per gram of lignin, and where said predispersion comprises an amount of said lignin such as to provide, in said crosslinkable elastomeric composition, a concentration of lignin equal to or lower than about 25 phr.

Abstract: A solid polymer blend material comprising: (i) lignin; and (ii) a polyamide having a melting point of no more than 240° C. and which is below the decomposition temperature of the lignin; wherein said lignin is homogeneously dispersed in said polyamide. Methods for producing the blend material are also described. Methods for producing objects made of the blend material by melt extrusion are also described, comprising: (a) melt blending components (i) and (ii) to form a polymer blend in which components (i) and (ii) are homogeneously blended, wherein the polymer blend exhibits a melt viscosity of no more than 2000 Pa·s at a shear rate of 100-1000 s?1 and when heated to a temperature of no more than 240° C.; and; (b) forming an object made of said polymer blend material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to [1] a rubber composition exhibiting excellent grip force, which contains (A) a rubber component, (B) a lignin degradation product having an aldehyde yield, according to an alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation method, of 12% by mass or more, and (C) an anti-aging agent; [2] a shoe sole using the rubber composition of the above [1]; and [3] a grip force improving agent for rubber compositions, containing (B) a lignin degradation product having an aldehyde yield, according to an alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation method, of 12% by mass or more, as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Microstructured composite material, comprising a matrix, comprising at least one sort of a thermoplastic plastic material and, distributed homogenously in the matrix, at least one sort of lignin and/or at least one lignin derivative, characterized in that the at least one sort of lignin and/or at least one lignin derivative is present in particulate form and the cross-sectional area of the particles has a round, approximately round, circular, approximately circular, elliptical or approximately elliptical geometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to plastic materials comprising lignin and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) to methods of manufacturing those plastic materials and to articles obtained by molding the plastic materials of the invention. Since PBS can be obtained from renewable sources, the present invention also provides for bioplastic materials comprising lignin and PBS. The present invention also provides for plastic materials comprising lignin and PBS and at least one fiber and to articles obtained from those plastic materials that are degradable, compostable and recyclable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to softwood lignin derivatives having an aliphatic hydroxyl content of from about 2.5 mmol/g to about 7 mmol/g lignin, and the preparation method thereof. The lignin derivatives have a desired antioxidant activity characterized by radical scavenging index (RSI). Another aspect of the invention relates to compositions comprising the softwood lignin derivative. Another aspect of the invention relates to a use of the softwood lignin derivatives comprising incorporating the softwood lignin derivatives into polymer compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rubber composition based on at least an epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), a reinforcing filler and, as plasticizing agent, an alpha-methylstyrene polymer resin. The invention also relates to the use of such a composition for the manufacture of a tire tread exhibiting an improved compromise of properties with respect to grip on wet ground and rolling resistance.

Abstract: A method including reducing a particle size of lignin particles to an average particle size less than 40 nanometers; after reducing the particle size, combining the lignin particles with a polymeric material; and forming a structure of the combination. A method including exposing lignin to a diazonium precursor including a functional group; modifying the lignin by introducing the functional group to the lignin; and combining the modified lignin with a polymeric material to form a composite. An apparatus including a composite of a polymer and lignin wherein the lignin has an average particle size less than 100 micrometers.

Abstract: A process for producing lignin from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana is provided. The lignin can be derived inter alia from Nicotiana species biomass. A process such as is described in various embodiments herein also provides articles and compositions that include lignin produced from one or more plants of genus Nicotiana.

Abstract: The present invention provides derivatives of native lignin having certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that consistent and predictable antioxidant activity may be provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: Lignin compositions, products produced from them or containing them, methods to produce them, spinning methods, methods to convert lignin to a conversion product and conversion products produced by the methods are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to softwood lignin derivatives having an aliphatic hydroxyl content of from about 2.5 mmol/g to about 7 mmol/g lignin, and the preparation method thereof. The lignin derivatives have a desired antioxidant activity characterized by radical scavenging index (RSI). Another aspect of the invention relates to compositions comprising the softwood lignin derivative. Another aspect of the invention relates to a use of the softwood lignin derivatives comprising incorporating the softwood lignin derivatives into polymer compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that consistent and predictable antioxidant activity may be provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an aqueous binder for a fiber mat, in particular mineral fibers, which comprises, in parts by weight: 50 to 95 parts of at least one lignosulfonic acid salt; 5 to 50 parts of at least one thermosetting resin selected from phenolic resins and urea-formaldehyde resins; and 5 to 20 parts of a curing catalyst selected from compounds containing phosphorus and sulfates per 100 parts of lignosulfonic acid salt and of thermosetting resin. It also concerns the products resulting from treatment of the fibers, especially mineral fibers, with said binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized lignin, rubber compositions which contain functionalized lignin and to products which have at least one component comprised of such rubber composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a film suitable for applications requiring high water vapor transmission rates. The film comprises a polyolefin polymer together with from 1 to 30 percent by weight of the film of a hydrophilic polymer and from 30 to 75 percent by weight of the film of a filler having a hydrophilic surface functionality.

Abstract: The present invention provides derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that consistent and predictable antioxidant activity may be provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention blend polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) with calcium carbonate (CC) or other filler(s) to form a single or multi-layer plastic film. The result is an improved plastic film that retains the beneficial properties of conventional plastic films, but can also be easily fractured and creased. Embodiments of the invention also provide a method for manufacturing the single or multi-layer plastic film.

Abstract: The present invention provides derivatives of native lignin having certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that consistent and predictable antioxidant activity may be provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to softwood lignin derivatives having an aliphatic hydroxyl content of from about 2.5 mmol/g to about 7 mmol/g lignin, and the preparation method thereof. The lignin derivatives have a desired antioxidant activity characterized by radical scavenging index (RSI). Another aspect of the invention relates to compositions comprising the softwood lignin derivative. Another aspect of the invention relates to a use of the softwood lignin derivatives comprising incorporating the softwood lignin derivatives into polymer compositions.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to annual fiber lignin derivatives having an aliphatic hydroxyl content of about 3.75 mmol/g lignin or less, or about 1.5 mmol/g lignin or more, and the preparation method thereof. The lignin derivatives have a desired antioxidant activity characterized by radical scavenging index (RSI). Another aspect of the invention relates to compositions comprising the annual fiber lignin derivative. Another aspect of the invention relates to a use of the annual fiber lignin derivatives comprising incorporating the annual fiber lignin derivatives into polymer compositions.

Abstract: Partial oxidation of crumb rubber derived from environmental hazardous waste tires yields surface treated crumb rubber and a gas condensate which are used as blending stocks for making rubberized concrete with substantially improved mechanical strength as compared to the conventional rubberized concrete. The chemically more active rubber surface becomes hydrophilic, so it interacts with the hydrophilic surface of surrounding cement matrix much stronger. The gas condensate co-produced in the partial oxidation reactor consists of mainly active sulfur oxides (R—SOx—R) and serves as an excellent bonding agent to further enhance the bonding strength between the partially oxidized rubber particles and the cement mixes. The mechanically improved rubberized concrete is more versatile than conventional rubberized concrete.

Abstract: The present invention is based upon the unexpected finding that lignin can be incorporated into wire coat stock composition to improve metal to rubber adhesion. It has been further found that lignin can be used as a replacement in whole or in part for conventional rubber-to-metal adhesion promoters, such as cobalt materials which are conventionally used in wire coat stocks to attain and maintain needed rubber-to-wire adhesion properties. In fact, wire coat stocks that contain lignin provide more that adequate rubber-to-metal adhesion characteristics for typical applications, such as in tires, and maintain needed levels of adhesion over long periods of product service. For instance, high levels of rubber-to-metal adhesion are maintained under harsh conditions, such as exposure to elevated temperatures and high levels of humidity.

Abstract: The present invention provides softwood derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that consistent and predictable antioxidant activity may be provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: The present invention provides derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that consistent and predictable antioxidant activity may be provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: The present invention provides derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that consistent and predictable antioxidant activity may be provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: The present invention provides hardwood derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that consistent and predictable antioxidant activity may be provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: An asphalt binder includes asphalt and an asphalt binder modifier, which includes bio-oil. The asphalt binder can include a carboxyl additive. The asphalt can optionally include polymer-modified asphalt. An asphalt material includes mineral aggregate, an asphalt material binder including asphalt, and an asphalt binder modifier including bio-oil. A method for making the asphalt binder is disclosed. The asphalt material includes asphalt pavement and roofing shingles. The asphalt binder can be emulsified with water and a surfactant for use as a weatherproofing sealant or as an adhesive.

Abstract: Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized lignin, rubber compositions which contain functionalized lignin and to products which have at least one component comprised of such rubber composition.

Abstract: Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: A rubber latex composition is disclosed having reduced allergenicity. Methods for producing a rubber latex composition having reduced allergenicity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rubber composition that can improve rolling resistance of tires without impairing running performances such as braking performance, driveability (grip performance), abrasion resistance and the like, and a pneumatic tire using the same are provided. The rubber composition includes a diene rubber as a rubber component, and lignin derivatives.

Abstract: Cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for vulcanizing caoutchouc or latex by adding a mixture M which contains a component a) from a1) 20 to 96% by weight of sulfur, a2) 4 to 80% by weight of a complexing agent, and optionally other additives b) to caoutchouc or latex and then vulcanizing the mixture. The inventive method is characterized in that the average particle size of the primary particles of component a) ranges from 0.05 to 20 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a tire having a tread that is comprised of (1) 30 phr to 80 phr of a non-random styrene-butadiene rubber comprised of polymer chains that are derived from styrene and 1,3-butadiene, wherein from about 10 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of the repeat units in the styrene-butadiene rubber are derived from styrene, wherein from about 60 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of the repeat units in the styrene-butadiene rubber are derived from 1,3-butadiene, wherein from about 30 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of the styrene repeat units are in sequences containing 5 to 20 styrene repeat units, wherein the bound styrene content found in the first half of the polymer chains differs from the bound styrene content found in the second half of the polymer chains by at least 5 weight percent, wherein the styrene-butadiene rubber has a 1,2-vinyl content which is within the range of about 8 percent to about 20 percent, wherein the styrene-butadiene rubber has a number

Abstract: This invention relates to novel composites comprising plastic and plant material derived from members of Parthenium spp. and, in particular, Parthenium argentatum (also known as guayule), Parthenium tomentosum or Parthenium incanum. The invention is also directed to composites that possess insect, fungal, and microbial resistance. Products made from composites of the instant invention are useful to make numerous items, particularly those used for construction such as lumber, plywood, particleboard, fiberboard, poles, railroad crossties, or the like.

Abstract: An adhesive composition which requires no applied heat to effect curing and which produces a strong bond between a polymeric capping membrane suitably employed in roofing or siding and a roofing or siding base or substrate which composition essentially comprises a homogeneous 60 to 75% solids mixture of (a) between about 0.5 and about 15 wt. % of a thermosetting styrene/isoprene/styrene block polymer containing up to 90% styrene; (b) between about 13 and about 30 wt. % aromatic hydrocarbon solvent containing from about 5 to about 20 wt. % aliphatic hydrocarbon; (c) between about 20 and about 70 wt. % non-blown asphalt optionally containing a minor amount of blown asphalt; (d) between about 1 and about 10 wt. % metal silicate and (e) between about 0.1 and about 5 wt. % of a C6 to C16 alkoxyalkyl amine substituted ester of a C2 to C12 carboxylic acid as a surfactant. The invention also relates to the method of preparing and using the above adhesive composition.

Abstract: A polar surfactant, preferably organic, is disclosed to increase dispersion of reinforcing filler aggregates in rubber compositions. The surfactant acts on binders present in the reinforcing filler aggregates so that the surfactant associates with the water soluble binder on carbon black to increase carbon black dispersion. The polar surfactant has an hydrophilic-lipophilic balance value of about 3 to about 35. Rubber products using the composition and methods of making the composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to biologically degradable lignin graft polymers comprised of lignin and ethylenically unsaturated monomers which are formed by an enzymatically catalyzed polymerization method in the presence of organic peroxides. The polymerizates are suited, for example, for utilization as absorbers for water and aqueous liquids, as coagulants and thickeners, as water softeners and as dispersing agents.

Abstract: The invention is based on the discovery that texturized cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials can be combined with many different matrix materials, including organic matrices (e.g., thermosetting resins, elastomers, asphalts, lignins, or tars) to produce useful compositions.

Abstract: Provided is an additive for a thermoplastic resin prepared by mixing tannin with a coupling agent, and the above additive inhibits the thermoplastic resin from being reduced in a molecular weight in heating and melting and achieves heat stabilization of the thermoplastic resin. Accordingly, it becomes possible to recycle the molded articles.

Abstract: A biodegradable composition, is obtained by heating a melting together at least one lignin and/or a lignin containing material with a protein. This composition may contain one or more additives. Also disclosed are articles produced with this composition.

Abstract: Composites of a resin and texturized cellulosic or lignocellulosic fiber, and methods for forming the composites, are disclosed.

Abstract: Texturized cellulosic or lignocellulosic materials, and compositions and composites made therefrom, are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved bituminous emulsions, specifically to cationic medium-set and slow-set mixing grade emulsions. More particularly, it relates to emulsifying compositions which can be used to produce bituminous emulsions exhibiting high viscosity and low asphalt residues. The emulsifying compositions are combinations of fatty amine and/or polyamine, lignin, and nonionic surfactant. A preferred emulsifying composition can be produced by reacting the combinations of fatty amine and/or polyamine, lignin, and nonionic surfactant with formaldehyde.

Abstract: Phase change (hot melt) ink compositions for use in a phase change (hot melt) ink jet recording device are disclosed to comprise:(a) from about 0.1% to about 30% of one or more colorants; and(b) from about 0.1 to about 99.9% of one or more reversibly-crosslinked-polymers.Recording is conducted by thermally melting the ink at a temperature above ambient temperature (20.degree. C.) to provide prints that possess high quality images, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, low-temperature storage stability and flexibility, offset and pick resistance, adhesion, and other desired properties. Components other than those listed above may be included in the ink compositions to achieve specific printer, substrate, or end use requirements. Furthermore, the present invention also includes methods for the preparation of the above-described inks.

Abstract: Phase change (hot melt) ink compositions for use in a phase change (hot melt) ink jet recording device in which recording is conducted by thermally melting the ink at a temperature above ambient temperature (20.degree. C.) to provide prints that possess high quality images, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, low-temperature storage stability and flexibility, offset and pick resistance, adhesion, and other desired properties are disclosed to comprise:(a) from about 0.1% to about 30% of one or more colorants; and(b) from about 0.1 to about 99.9% of one or more reversibly-crosslinked-polymers. Components other than those listed above may be included in the ink compositions to achieve specific printer, substrate, or end use requirements. Also, the present invention also includes methods for the preparation of reversibly-crosslinked-polymers and for their use in the above-described inks. Furthermore, the disclosed phase change inks inhibit corrosion of metallic internal printer parts.

Abstract: Phase change (hot melt) ink compositions for use in a phase change (hot melt) ink jet recording device in which recording is conducted by thermally melting the ink at a temperature above ambient temperature (20.degree. C.) to provide prints that possess high quality images, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, low-temperature storage stability and flexibility, offset and pick resistance, adhesion, and other desired properties are disclosed to comprise:(a) from about 0.1% to about 30% of one or more colorants; and(b) from about 0.1 to about 99.9% of one or more reversibly-crosslinked-polymers.Components other than those listed above may be included in the ink compositions to achieve specific printer, substrate, or end use requirements. Furthermore, the present invention also includes methods for the preparation of reversibly-crosslinked-polymers and for their use in the above-described inks.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising tannin containing hydroxyl groups which has been (a) chemically modified by reaction of at least one of said hydroxyl groups with at least one member selected from the group consisting of an esterification agent (e.g. acetic anhydride), etherification agent (e.g. dichloromethane or quaternary organic amine such as N-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride) to form the corresponding ester, or ether, through said hydroxyl group, and (b) derivatized. The chemically modified tannin is derivatized by reaction with aldehyhde (e.g. formaldehyde), or aldehyde and at least one member selected from the group consisting of ammonia and organic amine containing at least one primary or secondary nitrogen (e.g. cyclohexyl amine); said derivatized tannin being water soluble or dispersable at a pH below 7 and water insoluble at a pH above 7.