Abstract: This invention provides improvements to processes for making granular lignin from black liquor. One of the improvements is that the use of a pre-carbonation column reduces the CO2 flow into the sparger of a carbonation column. The pre-carbonation column is used to reduce the pH of the black liquor to about 12. Another improvement is that it has been found that coalescing droplets into a bulk liquid-lignin phase can be enhanced by placing the exit of the carbonation column at or slightly beneath carbonated black liquor/liquid-lignin interface. It has also been found that operating the carbonation settler at a low pressure and pumping the liquid-lignin from the carbonation settler to the acidification reactor operating at a higher pressure allows recycling the vent gas from the acidification reactor to the pre-carbonation column. The invention also provides for a vent gas absorber.

Abstract: The present invention relates in part to a lignin composition and a method of fabricating a lignin composition. The invention also relates in part to a method of using a lignin composition to adsorb onto a petrochemical oil comprising the steps of providing a solution of lignin in an alcohol, providing an oil on a liquid surface, contacting the oil with the solution of lignin in an alcohol, adsorbing the lignin to the oil, and removing the adsorbed oil from the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: A method of producing carbon fibers includes (a) treating lignin to produce a precursor lignin having an increased uniformity. The increased uniformity is defined by (i) an increased linear structure as evidenced by an increased percentage of linkages selected from uncondensed ?-O-4? interunitery linkages or condensed ?-5? linkages, (ii) a reduced polydispersity index (PDI), or (iii) an increased amount of multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonding relative to the lignin prior to treating. In addition, the method includes (b) forming precursor fibers from the precursor lignin. Further, the method includes (c) subjecting the precursor fibers to thermostabilization or carbonization to produce the carbon fibers.

Abstract: A process for isolating lignin from an alkaline process stream of thickened black liquor which is introduced continuously into a lower region of at least one circulation reactor having two reactor zones in concentric arrangement, liquid level of the alkaline process stream in the interior of the reactor is at a level with an upper end of an inner tubular reactor zone, a CO2-containing gas is blown continuously from the bottom into the inner tubular reactor zone of the reactor, wherein the CO2-containing gas is absorbed by the alkaline process stream in the inner circulation reactor zone and offgas is drawn off with residual amounts of the CO2 at the top of the reactor, the process is run at 1 atm, and thickened black liquor with a reduced lignin content together with precipitated lignin present are drawn off optionally after settling at the base of the reactor.

Abstract: An aqueous wax emulsion or dispersion comprising, wax, water and an emulsifier wherein the emulsifier comprises purified kraft lignin and a water-soluble base. A process for preparing said aqueous wax dispersions and their use.

Abstract: Compositions for dust suppression, methods for forming the compositions, and methods for using the compositions are provided. In one embodiment, the composition includes a non-sulfonated lignin and an alkylene glycol alkyl ether solvent. The compositions may be applied to an exposed surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Methods of selectively modifying lignin, polycarboxylated products thereof, and methods of deriving aromatic compounds therefrom. The methods comprise electrochemically oxidizing lignin using stable nitroxyl radicals to selectively oxidize primary hydroxyls on ?-O-4 phenylpropanoid units to corresponding carboxylic acids while leaving the secondary hydroxyls unchanged. The oxidation results in polycarboxylated lignin in the form of a polymeric ?-hydroxy acid. The polymeric ?-hydroxy acid has a high loading of carboxylic acid and can be isolated in acid form, deprotonated, and/or converted to a salt. The ?-hydroxy acid, anion, or salt can also be subjected to acidolysis to generate various aromatic monomers or oligomers. The initial oxidation of lignin to the polycarboxylated form renders the lignin more susceptible to acidolysis and thereby enhances the yield of aromatic monomers and oligomers obtained through acidolysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel and improved processes for treating a lignocellulosic biomass or technical lignin using ionic liquids to obtain lignin breakdown products and polysaccharide biomass components. Recycling of ionic liquids can be included in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for ionic liquid processing of biomass.

Abstract: In some variations, OCC is screened, cleaned, deinked, and mechanically refined to generate cellulose nanofibrils. The OCC may be subjected to further chemical, physical, or thermal processing, prior to mechanical refining. For example, the OCC may be subjected to hot-water extraction, or fractionation with an acid catalyst, a solvent for lignin, and water. In certain embodiments to produce cellulose nanocrystals, OCC is exposed to AVAP® digestor conditions. The resulting pulp is optionally bleached and is mechanically refined to generate cellulose nanocrystals. In certain embodiments to produce cellulose nanofibrils, OCC is exposed to GreenBox+® digestor conditions. The resulting pulp is mechanically refined to generate cellulose nanofibrils. The site of a system to convert OCC to nanocellulose may be co-located with an existing OCC processing site. The nanocellulose line may be a bolt-on retrofit system to existing infrastructure.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel surfactant compositions and methods having application in a variety of fields including enhanced oil recovery, the cleaning industry as well as groundwater remediation. The surfactant compositions are based on lignin bio-oil with a phenol hydroxyl group as the main functional group. The compositions include carboxylic surfactant s and mixed hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfactant structures, which can be used for the recovery of crude oil compositions from challenging reservoirs.

Abstract: The subject matter of the present invention is a method for producing a biodegradable, non-porous composite material made water-absorbent and/or lipid-absorbent, used for obtaining diversely shaped solid objects to be subsequently loaded with active liquid hydrophilic and/or lipophilic compositions comprising at least one active ingredient intended to be delivered into an environment in a controlled and continuous manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating lignin, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) dissolving lignin into an aqueous composition, which contains a compound selected from the class of phenols and alkali, while keeping the temperature of the composition at 40-85° C., wherein the alkali comprises a hydroxide of an alkali metal; and b) heating the composition at a temperature, which is higher than the temperature of the composition in step a), with the proviso that the temperature of the composition does not exceed 100° C., while keeping the pH of the composition at a pH value of 6-14.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to oxidative oxidized reaction products made from the mechanocatalytic oxidative depolymerization of lignin. More particularly, but without limitation, the mechanocatalytic oxidative depolymerization of lignin is performed in a non-aqueous/non-solvent based and solvent-free process, i.e., via a solid-solid mechanocatalytic oxidative reaction methodology. In one particular embodiment, the process of making such oxidative oxidized reaction products includes, without limitation, the step of mechanocatalytically reacting an oxidation catalyst with lignin or a lignin-containing material. The oxidative reaction products obtained from the process include, for example, at least one of vanillin, and syringealdehyde, vanillic acid, and syringic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing one or more products for use as a transportation or heating fuel. In various embodiments the process comprises treating a cellulosic feedstock, in one or more processing steps that release extractives from the feedstock. A solids-liquid separation is subsequently conducted on the process stream comprising the extractives and solids. An aqueous stream comprising one or more of the extractives may be fed to an anaerobic digester to produce crude biogas from which one or more impurities may optionally be removed. In various embodiments the process further comprises providing a solids stream to a thermal process. A product produced or derived from the thermal process may displace a product made from fossil fuel. One or more products obtained or derived from at least one of the foregoing process steps are provided for use as a transportation or heating fuel. In various embodiments the process enables advantaged fuel credit generation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to Acanthophysium sp. KMF001 strain having high cellulose activity, and more particularly, to a novel Acanthophysium sp. KMF001 strain having the ability to produce endo-?-1,4-glucanase, ?-glucosidase, and cellobiohydrolase and to a culture of the strain. The novel Acanthophysium sp. KMF001 strain according to the present invention can produce highly active cellulases, including endo-?-1,4-glucanase, ?-glucosidase, and cellobiohydrolase, and thus can be advantageously used not only for enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass, but also in various industrial fields, including the pulp and paper making industry, the detergent industry, the agricultural product processing industry, the fiber industry, and the livestock industry, in which the degradation of cellulose is required.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing a bitumen-in-water emulsion comprising contacting (i) bitumen, (ii) water, and (iii) an alkoxylated humus material to obtain a stabilized bitumen-in-water emulsion, wherein the alkoxylated humus material comprises an ethoxylated humus material, a C3+ alkoxylated humus material, or combinations thereof. A method of stabilizing a bitumen-in-water emulsion comprising contacting (i) bitumen, (ii) water, and (iii) an alkoxylated humus material to obtain a stabilized bitumen-in-water emulsion, wherein the alkoxylated humus material comprises an ethoxylated lignite, and the bitumen is extracted from the Orinoco Oil Belt in Venezuela. A stabilized bitumen-in-water emulsion comprising bitumen, water, and an alkoxylated humus material wherein the alkoxylated humus material comprises an ethoxylated humus material, a C3+ alkoxylated humus material, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention primarily relates to a preparation comprising or consisting of 40-99.9 wt.-% of lignin, preferably unmodified lignin, 0.1-50 wt.-% of minerals, preferably 0.1-30 wt.-%, 0-25 wt.-% of one or more mono- and oligomeric carbohydrates, preferably 0.1-20 wt.-%, and 0-15 wt.-% of one or more solvents, in particular water, preferably 0.1-4 wt.-%. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a fertilizer comprising or consisting of such a preparation and to the use of such a preparation as fertilizer, as ingredient for a fertilizer or for producing a fertilizer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions that include at least about 75 weight percent (wt %) alkylated lignin based on the total weight of the composition without any solvent(s). The material having a tensile strength of at least about 35 MPa, an elongation-to-break of at least about 1.5%, or both. Articles including such materials and methods of forming the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recovering low molecular weight lignin from a filtrate, wherein the low molecular weight lignin includes lignin molecules having a molecular weight of 3000 g/mol or lower, wherein the filtrate is obtained from a process where lignin is precipitated from black liquor and the formed precipitate is separated therefrom by filtration resulting in the filtrate including low molecular weight lignin being formed, and wherein the method includes the following steps: a) adjusting the pH of the filtrate to a value of 3-4 for precipitating lignin in the filtrate; b) separating the precipitated lignin from the filtrate; c) reslurrying the separated lignin until the dry solids content of the slurry is 25-40 weight-% and adjusting the pH of the slurry to a value of 2-3; d) washing the slurry; and e) separating the lignin from the slurry.

Abstract: A composition includes an agent formed by grafting at least a first polymer with lignin and a component other than the agent, lignin or the at least a first polymer, wherein lignin has an affinity for the component. A method of dispersing a component in a matrix includes adding an agent to the matrix. The agent is formed by grafting at least a first polymer with lignin. The first polymer has an affinity for the matrix. Lignin has an affinity for the component. The component is other than the agent, lignin or the at least a first polymer. The method for includes contacting the matrix with the component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for extracting undissolved carbonized lignin from black liquor and products produced thereby. The invention further relates to the solid carbon thus extracted and the carbonized black liquor separated from said solid carbon. According to the invention black liquor from an alkaline fractionation process is subjected to a hydrothermal carbonization process, an undissolved carbonized lignin is separated from the carbonized black liquor, the remaining carbonized black liquor is fed back into the alkaline fractionation process, and the undissolved carbonized lignin is separated from the carbonized black liquor is purified.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes inserting a chemical reagent into a process stream that contains one or more lignins to form one or more modified lignins. The formed one or more modified lignins are different than the one or more lignins in the process stream. The one or more modified lignins can be formed in the process stream before a precipitation stage and then separated from the process stream. Also, contaminates can be removed from the separated one or more modified lignins and the one or more modified lignins can be pressed and dried.

Abstract: This specification discloses an operational continuous process to convert lignin as found in ligno-cellulosic biomass before or after converting at least some of the carbohydrates. The continuous process has been demonstrated to create a slurry comprised of lignin, raise the slurry comprised of lignin to ultra-high pressure, deoxygenate the lignin in a lignin conversion reactor over a catalyst which is not a fixed bed without producing char. The conversion products of the carbohydrates or lignin can be further processed into polyester intermediates for use in polyester preforms and bottles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a lignin component from lignin material by an acid treatment, the method comprising: forming a lignin component of lignin material by treating the lignin material in at least one acid treatment stage; and optimizing process conditions by means of a combination of process parameters comprising retention time, temperature and pH level at the acid treatment stage so that the retention time is over 6 hours during at least one acid treatment stage. Further, the invention relates to corresponding lignin components, a use of the lignin component and a product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fiber reinforced composite comprising a reinforcing constituent of fibers embedded in a resin matrix, wherein the resin matrix comprises epoxy resin crosslinked with aminated lignin. The invention further relates to a method for the production of a fiber reinforced composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process tor the production of precipitated lignin from black liquor wherein the process comprises the steps of providing a black liquor stream treating the black liquor at an increased temperature and precipitating the lignin from the heat treated black liquor. The present invention further relates to precipitated lignin produced according to the process and use of the precipitated lignin produced.

Abstract: There is provided a process for improving the quality of lignosulfonate at least partly derived form a spent sulfite cooking liquor in at least two steps, comprising: one step in which a lignosulfonate-containing fraction at least partly derived from the spent sulfite cooking liquor is subjected to filtration using a membrane having a cut-off of 40-150 kD (high cut-off) at the pressure, flow rate and temperature of the step and the permeate is recovered; and another step in which a lignosulfonate-containing fraction at least partly derived from the spent sulfite cooking liquor is subjected to filtration using a membrane having a cut-off of 1-20 kD (low cut-off) at the pressure, flow rate and temperature of the step and the retentate is recovered. Products, uses thereof as well as a system are also provided.

Abstract: A process for the separation of lignins and sugars from an extracted liquor, including, in the form of dry matter (DM), lignins and sugars, includes: a) concentrating the extracted liquor, in order to obtain a liquor having dry matter in a proportion of between 60 and 70%; b) mixing the concentrated liquor with water in equal parts by weight; c) stirring the mixture in order to disperse the lignins and to obtain a stable suspending of the lignins; d) filtering the solution, wherein the mixing is carried out by introducing the concentrated liquor into the water; and the temperature of the solution, during the suspending, is between 50° C. and 60° C.

Abstract: The method is for controlling a sodium and sulphur balance of a pulp mill while separating lignin from black liquor. Lignin is precipitated by using an acid followed by filtration. The lignin filter cake thus obtained is re-suspended in acidic liquid and dewatered to form a second cake. The filtrate obtained after dewatering of the second cake is returned for washing and suspension of the first cake. Sodium sulphate-rich ESP (electrostatic precipitator) dust produced in the recovery boiler is used in the washing of the precipitated lignin cake.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to reactive modified lignin, methods of preparing such modified lignin, and materials, such as polymer systems, incorporating the modified lignin. More specifically, the lignin can be modified by selectively masking reactive functional groups such that the material has a modulated reactivity and is thus better suited for incorporation into and/or formation of further materials, such as carbon fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides derivatives of native lignin having an ethoxy content of 0.45 mmol/g or greater. Surprisingly, it has been found that phenolic resins comprising derivatives of native lignin having ethoxy contents have acceptable performance characteristics such as bondstrength.

Abstract: There is provided a process for recovery of lignin from a black liquor that contains either soluble or dispersed lignin, generating a “liquid lignin” at high yield. Soluble lignin at elevated pH is precipitated by reducing the pH of the black liquor stream by countercurrent reaction with carbon dioxide, at elevated temperature and pressure, creating two bulk fluid phases: a heavy lignin-rich phase and a light lignin-depleted phase. The heavy lignin-rich phase is separated and washed countercurrently with a strong acid to displace metal cations from the lignin, creating a low-salt lignin, which is then formed into a low-dust high-bulk-density lignin fuel pellet. If needed, especially for lignin recovered from kraft papermaking black-liquor streams, an oxidation step is included to eliminate negative odor for high-value green-chemistry applications.

Abstract: In a method for the continuous precipitation of lignin from black liquor black liquor is provided so as to flow as a pressurized flow in a reactor (2) with a dwell time of less than 300s,—an acidifying agent selected from the group of carbon dioxide, acid and their combinations is led to the flow at one or more feeding sites (2a) to lower the pH of black liquor,—the pH is allowed to decrease by the effect of the acidifying agent in the pressurized flow to the precipitation point of lignin, the pressure of the pressurized flow is abruptly released, and lignin particles are separated from black liquor.

Abstract: The method is for separation of lignin from original black liquor. Lignin is precipitated in a first acidification stage followed by dewatering a first lignin suspension while forming a first filter cake. The first lignin filter cake is suspended in a second acidification stage whereupon a second lignin suspension is obtained. The second lignin suspension is dewatered to form a second filter cake. The second filter cake is washed and the washed second lignin cake is dewatered to obtain a lignin product. Waste gases from the second acidification stage is recirculated back to the first acidification stage and mixed with the original black liquor.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process involving liquefaction of a biomass slurry by treatment in hot compressed water (HCW), said process comprising: —a first decomposition step being performed at an average pH level of at most 4.5, wherein a hemicellulose fraction in the biomass slurry is decomposed to water soluble mono- and/or oligomers, and wherein a cellulose fraction undergoes a pre-treatment for decrystallization of the cellulose polymer; —a separation step; and —a second decomposition step, wherein the cellulose fraction in the biomass slurry is decomposed to water soluble mono- and/or oligomers; wherein both of the first and second decomposition steps are performed at sub-critical temperatures implying relatively moderate conditions.

Abstract: A method for producing a trans-esterified hydroxypropyl lignin (HPL) is provided in one example embodiment and includes precipitating a lignin, dissolving the precipitated lignin in a solution, adding a reagent to the solution, adjusting the pH of the solution, allowing reactions in the solution to occur for a predetermined amount of time, precipitating the solution to produce a precipitate, and washing, filtering, and drying the precipitate to produce the trans-esterified HPL. In one example, a thermoplastic may be added to produce a trans-esterified HPL/thermoplastic blend.

Abstract: The method is for separation of lignin from original black liquor (BLIN) that has a first precipitation phase (PR1/PR2) for precipitation of lignin by a first acidification using acidifier, CO2, at alkaline conditions, then separating a lignin cake with subsequent suspension of the lignin cake in a strong acid in order to leach out metals from the lignin followed by dewatering and obtaining a clean lignin product LP. Lignin germ particles (LG) are added to the original black liquor in the first precipitation stage, preferably between two phases in said precipitation stage, in order to increase lignin particle growth on such lignin germ particles instead of spontaneous nucleation of lignin particles in said original black liquor. This results in improved filterability in subsequent dewatering and lignin cake formation and hence an increased lignin yield.

Abstract: Provided are methods for aqueous isolation of depolymerized lignin in high yield from a lignin-containing biomass composition, comprising positioning a lignin-containing biomass composition into a flowthrough thermal reactor chamber to provide for passage of an aqueous fluid therethrough, contacting the lignin biomass composition with the aqueous fluid under elevated temperature conditions sufficient to provide for lignin release and depolymerization, flowing the aqueous fluid through the reactor chamber under the elevated temperature conditions, to provide an output aqueous fluid comprising released depolymerized lignin, and collecting the depolymerized lignin.

Abstract: Biopolymer catalysts, methods of synthesizing a biopolymer catalyst, and methods of catalyzing the hydrolysis of cellulose with a biopolymer catalyst are described.

Abstract: In one example implementation, a trans-esterified HPL can include a HPL and a polyester including polyester chains. The polyester may be an aliphatic polyester, a semi-aromatic polyester, or an aromatic polyester.

Abstract: Low transition temperature mixtures (LTTMs) or solvents are provided that can be used in methods and systems to dissolve and bydrolyze certain components from lignin-containing biomass (e.g., lignin) at mild conditions so that further degradation is prevented. The solvents, methods and systems according to the invention have various advantages over prior technology or approaches. For example, LTTMs are cheap solvents, renewable and/or non-toxic food ingredients. LTTMs dissolve lignin selectively from a lignin-containing biomass. A highly efficient (up to 90%) lignin recovery can be achieved. The recovered lignin is of higher quality. The remaining cellulose is also of higher. Much less water is needed, which means a tremendous reduction of the energy requirement in the recovery process, i.e. less energy needed for evaporating large quantities of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of processing lignocellulosic material to obtain hemicellulose sugars, cellulose sugars, lignin, cellulose and other high-value products. Also provided are hemicellulose sugars, cellulose sugars, lignin, cellulose, and other high-value products.

Abstract: A method for the fractionation of lignocellulosic materials into reactive chemical feedstock in a batch or semi continuous process by the stepwise treatment with aqueous aliphatic alcohols in the presence of sulfur dioxide or acid. Lignocellulosic material is fractionated in a fashion that cellulose is removed as pulp, or converted to esterified cellulose, cooking chemicals are reused, lignin is separated in the forms of reactive native lignin and reactive lignosulfonates and hemicelluloses are converted into fermentable sugars, while fermentation inhibitors are removed. In an integrated vapor compression stripper and evaporator system, aliphatic alcohol is removed from a liquid stream and the resulting stream is concentrated for further processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method of production of value-added, biobased chemicals from lignin sources, including waste lignin. A method of producing biobased aromatic chemicals, biobased aromatic fuels, and/or lignin residues from lignin is also described herein.

Abstract: Described is a method to oxidize lignin or lignin sub-units. The method includes oxidation of secondary benzylic alcohol in the lignin or lignin sub-unit to a corresponding ketone in the presence of unprotected primarily aliphatic alcohol in the lignin or lignin sub-unit. The optimal catalyst system consists of HNO3 in combination with another Brønsted acid, in the absence of a metal-containing catalyst, thereby yielding a selectively oxidized lignin or lignin sub-unit. The method may be carried out in the presence or absence of additional reagents including TEMPO and TEMPO derivatives.

Abstract: The process includes pretreating the biomass with a first basic solution such as sodium hydroxide and mechanically altering the fibers to provide a fluidized biomass. The fluidized biomass is then subjected to high frequency pulses and shear forces without denaturing the individual components of the biomass. The biomass is then subjected to compressive force to separate a first liquid fraction from a first fractionated biomass. The first fractionated biomass may again then be subjected to the same high frequency pulses and shear forces as previously, particularly if there are hemicellulose and/or sugars still present in the first fractionated biomass. Compressive forces are used to separate a second liquid fraction from a second fractionated biomass. The second fractionated biomass is subjected to oxidation such as with hydrogen peroxide at a pH of 8 to 12.

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 invention relates to a method for the production of a precursor for the production of carbon- and activated carbon fibres according to the wet- or air-gap spinning method, in which a solution of lignin and a fibre-forming polymer in a suitable solvent is extruded through the holes of a spinning nozzle into a coagulation bath, the formed thread is stretched and subsequently treated, dried at an elevated temperature and then wound up. The lignin-containing thread is an economical starting material for the production of carbon- and activated carbon fibres.

Abstract: A system for treating biomass for the production of a composition of lignin pellets is disclosed. Pellets comprising at least 50 percent lignin by dry weight is disclosed. Also disclosed are pellets produced from a lignin composition by a process comprising: pre-treating lignocellulosic biomass into pre-treated biomass; separating the pre-treated biomass into a first liquid component comprising sugars and a first solids component comprising cellulose and the lignin composition; hydrolysing the first solids component of the pre-treated biomass into a hydrolysed biomass comprising sugars and the lignin composition; separating the hydrolysed biomass into a second liquid component comprising sugars and a second solids component comprising the lignin composition; supplying the second solids component comprising the lignin composition to a pelleting apparatus to produce the pellets; wherein the lignocellulosic biomass comprises cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin.