Abstract: Described is an isolated lignified plant cell wall including lignin, wherein the lignin includes a ferulate residue incorporated therein, such as from coniferyl ferulate and/or sinapyl ferulate. Also described is a method to make the isolated lignified plant cell wall, and the lignin produced by the method.

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: Injection molded articles and methods for making them from bio-based materials are described. More specifically, injection molded articles and methods for making them from bio-based materials that behave like high-molecular-weight thermosets such as lignin or protein-based materials including corn gluten meal, corn gluten feed, distillers dried grains with solubles, wet distillers grains, modified wet distillers grains, canola meal, wheat gluten, barley, cottonseed meal, sunflower meal, linseed meal, soy, rapeseed, sorghum proteins, maize, rice proteins, potato proteins, cassava proteins, sweet potato proteins, yam proteins, plantain proteins, keratin, or collagen are described.

Abstract: A new fertilizer comprising of amino lignin compounds, which are made by delignification of biomass containing lignin utilizing amino compounds and producing amino lignin, amino lignincellulose and cellulose. The urea lignincellulose is reacted with potassium hydroxide to produce potassium salt of amino lignin and lignincelluose. The amino lignin is reacted with phosphorous acid to produce an amino lignin phosphorous acid. These amino lignin compounds reacted with potassium and phosphorous acid are the source nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in the new solid or aqueous fertilizer.

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: An article including a lignin derivative, where the lignin derivative includes a moiety derived from an antimicrobial compound. Also provided are methods of inhibiting microbial growth with an article including a lignin derivative.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising converting at least a portion of native cellulose I? to cellulose IIII by treating plant biomass with liquid ammonia and/or one or more organic solvents to produce a treated plant biomass containing lignin and a lignin fraction; and extracting lignin and/or other plant cell wall components from the lignin fraction to produce a lignin extract capable of being fractionated. In one embodiment, the lignin extract is fractionated into separate components which are useful in a variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method of production of biobased chemicals, biofuels, and lignin residues from lignin sources, including waste lignin. This method may allow for selectively producing biobased chemicals, biofuels, and lignin residues from lignin sources using certain processing methods. The methods for production of these biobased chemicals, biofuels, and lignin residues may be provided by chemical-induced processing, catalytic oxidative lignin depolymerisation processing, and catalytic hydroprocessing. Further, the catalytic hydroprocessing from processes including catalytic reduction processing, catalytic hydrodeoxygenation processing, and/or catalytic/dehydrogenation processing may also be used. The method described herein also provides a means in which waste from the process(es) may be reduced and/or recycled.

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 using a depolymerization of lignin to create a tiered production of biobased aromatic chemicals and biofuels is also described herein. The method described herein may also allow for the selective production of the biobased aromatic chemicals and biofuels. Additionally, a reduction of waste products may also be provided from the present method.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process includes a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: An article including a lignin derivative, where the lignin derivative includes a moiety derived from an antimicrobial compound. Also provided are methods of inhibiting microbial growth with an article including a lignin derivative.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of lignin, characterized in that an acid is added to an alkaline alcoholic solution of lignin and the precipitated lignin is separated, and, optionally, from the filtrate alcohol is removed in order to get further lignin; as well as a method for the preparation of a concentrated alkaline, alcoholic solution of lignin by membrane filtration; the use of the lignin thus prepared; and the isolation of hydroxy cinnamic acids from the solution, from which the lignin has been separated.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides derivatives of native lignin suitable for production of carbon fibres wherein the derivatives of native lignin have a certain alkoxy content and/or a certain carbon content. The present lignin derivatives can have acceptable spinnability performance characteristics for producing carbon fibres having acceptable tensile strengths and acceptable modulus of elasticity.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids encoding a feruloyl-CoA:monolignol transferase and the feruloyl-CoA:monolignol transferase enzyme that enables incorporation of monolignol ferulates, for example, including p-coumaryl ferulate, coniferyl ferulate, and sinapyl ferulate, into the lignin of plants.

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 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: A fusible lignin has a gas transition temperature in the range between 90 and 160° C. determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), a molar mass distribution with a dispersivity of less than 28, determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), an ash content of less than 1 wt. %, and a proportion of volatile components of a maximum of 1 wt. %. Also provided is a precursor fiber based on the fusible lignin, as well as a method for the production thereof Also provided is a method for producing a carbon fiber from the precursor fiber.

Abstract: Method for separating lignin from black liquor includes the following steps: a) precipitating lignin by acidifying black liquor and thereupon dewatering, b) suspending the lignin filter cake obtained in step a) to obtain a second lignin suspension and adjusting the pH level to approximately that of the washing water of step d) below, c) dewatering of the second lignin suspension, d) adding washing water and performing a displacement washing at substantially constant conditions without any dramatic gradients in the pH, and e) dewatering the lignin cake produced in step d) into a high dryness and displacing the remaining washing liquid in the filter cake, whereby a lignin product is obtained which has an even higher dryness after the displacement washing of step d). The lignin product or an intermediate lignin product obtained by the method, and its use, preferably for the production of heat or chemicals is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to processes for recovery of derivatives of native lignin from lignocellulosic feedstocks wherein the derivatives have a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that stable and predictable antioxidant activity is provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.

Abstract: Compositions comprising lignin and low levels of undesirable impurities, such as compounds containing sulfur, nitrogen, or metals, are disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to a crosslinked lignin comprising a lignin structure having methylene or ethylene linking groups therein crosslinking between phenyl ring carbon atoms, wherein said crosslinked lignin is crosslinked to an extent that it has a number-average molecular weight of at least 10,000 g/mol, is melt-processible, and has either a glass transition temperature of at least 100° C., or is substantially soluble in a polar organic solvent or aqueous alkaline solution. Thermoplastic copolymers containing the crosslinked lignin are also described. Methods for producing the crosslinked lignin and thermoplastic copolymers are also described.

Abstract: A method of treating biomass feed by pyrolyzing it in the presence of superheated steam at a selected temperature for a sufficient time to produce at least one product stream.

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: A thermoplastic material made from lignin, polyol and a melting point reducer where the melting point reducer is miscible in the specific polyol employed and where the lignin, polyol and melting point reducer are all miscible when in their melted state.

Abstract: Lignin polymers having distinctive properties, including a generally high molecular weight and generally homogeneous size distribution, as well as preservation of native reactive side groups, are isolated by solvent extraction of plant materials. Methods for isolation of lignin polymers, and for use of the isolated lignin polymers are disclosed. Compositions containing lignin isolated from plant materials, such as carbon fiber composites, resins, adhesive binders and coatings, polyurethane-based foams, rubbers and elastomers, plastics, films, paints, nutritional supplements, food and beverage additives are disclosed. Xylose and xylose derivatives, furfural, fermentable sugars, cellulose and hemi-cellulose products may be used directly or further processed. The lignin polymers and other plant-derived products disclosed herein may be produced in abundance at low cost, and may be used as substitutes for feedstocks originating from fossil fuel or petrochemical sources in the manufacture of various products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a lignin-based substrate for soil improvement having a water-storing property, characterized by the following steps: providing lignin, oxidizing the lignin in either an aqueous alkaline suspension or a pH-neutral aqueous suspension, the pH-neutral aqueous suspension being converted into an alkaline substance after the lignin has been oxidized, cross-linking the lignin in an aqueous alkaline medium using multifunctional compounds, and neutralizing, drying, and comminuting the lignin.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preparing lignin from lignocellulosic biomass using rapid full or partial pressure reduction to separate and pulverize the lignin without fouling the equipment and with improved energy recovery.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for providing lignin product of a small particle size for improving burning efficiency and for avoiding typical equipment fouling problems while maximizing energy recovery.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for providing lignin product of a small particle size for improving burning efficiency and for avoiding typical equipment fouling problems while maximizing energy recovery.

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: Methods and apparatus for treating biomass that may include introducing a biomass to a chamber; exposing the biomass in the chamber to a shock event to produce a shocked biomass; and transferring the shocked biomass from the chamber. In some aspects, the method may include pretreating the biomass with a chemical before introducing the biomass to the chamber and/or after transferring shocked biomass from the chamber.

Abstract: A wax composition comprising a lignin derivative wherein the derivative has a total hydroxyl content of from about 0.1 mmol/g to about 7 mmol/g.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of modifying biocides obtained from biological sources, namely polyphenols. The modified biocide may have protective groups to reduce or prevent the oxidation of these phenols. The protective groups may also control the rate of hydrolyzation with regards to biocide efficacy. This invention also includes a method wherein the modified biocide may be incorporated and stabilized into a substrate like plastic.

Abstract: Lignin has a weight average molecular weight of at least 6,000 daltons and comprising (a) from 2% to 10% of a low molecular component having a weight average molecular weight (MW) of from 300 to 1500 daltons, and (b) from 10% to 50% of a high molecular weight component having a weight average molecular weight (MW) of at least 10,000 daltons; and exhibiting a Tg of from 100° C. to 130° C. when measured by differential scanning calorimetry.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the recovery of dissolved organics, such as hemicelluloses, lignin, and acetic acid, from a lignocellulosic feedstock or process liquor, where the dissolved organics are recovered via an adsorbent. The adsorbent may include activated carbon, modified activated carbon, precipitated calcium carbonate, and lime and/or lime mud. The dissolved organics may be adsorbed from a pre-hydrolysis liquor of a pulping process such as the Kraft-based dissolving pulp production process. Other methods include a combined (or integrated) process of adsorption, ion exchange resin treatment, and membrane filtration for the treatment of a lignocellulosic liquor, such as a pre-hydrolysis liquor of kraft-based dissolving pulp production process, such that dissolved organics such as lignin, acetic acid, and hemicellulose-derived sugars may be extracted and optionally concentrated.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process includes a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, reactor systems, and catalysts for converting in a continuous process biomass to less complex oxygenated compounds for use in downstream processes to produce biofuels and chemicals. The invention includes methods of converting the components of biomass, such as hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, to water-soluble materials, including lignocellulosic derivatives, cellulosic derivatives, hemicellulosic derivatives, carbohydrates, starches, polysaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, sugars, sugar alcohols, alditols, polyols, diols, alcohols, ketones, cyclic ethers, esters, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and mixtures thereof, using hydrogen and a heterogeneous liquefaction catalyst.

Abstract: A method is presented for the production of cellulosic ethanol, acetic acid and derivatives from the extract containing fibers and hemicelluloses after steam cooking of biomass in a host plant. The process is integrated with the host plant process to minimize the effect of loss of heat value from the extracted hemicelluloses and eliminate the need for the waste water treatment plant.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into one or more of a de-lignified cellulose stream, a sugar stream, small-chain alcohol streams and four structurally distinct classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for recovering small-chain alcohols and optionally a first class of lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for recovering from the liquid fraction at least one of a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives or mixtures thereof, and waste stream comprising a fourth class of lignin derivatives. The fourth processing module may optionally recover the fourth class of lignin derivatives.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon using less thermal energy is disclosed. Crystalline cellulose and acidic electrolyzed water are introduced into a reaction vessel. The mixture is heated until it reaches a predetermined temperature (230° C. to 250° C.) while being stirred. When the mixture reached the predetermined temperature, this temperature is maintained, and the mixture is kept heated while being stirred for a predetermined period of time (30 minutes). Thereby, carbon is produced in the reaction vessel.

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: A method comprising: (a) providing a lignocellulosic substrate; (b) contacting said lignocellulosic substrate with an extractant comprising a water-soluble organic solvent to form an extracted substrate and a miscella; (c) removing miscella from said extracted substrate; and (d) hydrolyzing said extracted substrate using a chemically catalyzed process.

Abstract: A method for controlling the sodium and sulphur balance of a pulp mill while separating lignin from black liquor, and also a lignin product or an intermediate lignin product obtainable by the method. The present invention also provides use of a lignin product or an intermediate lignin product for the production of fuel (solid, gaseous or liquid) or materials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process of producing substantially pure lignin from lignocellulosic biomass, which comprises: pre-treating a lignocellulosic feedstock to produce a reactive lignin-carbohydrate mixture; biologically-reacting the carbohydrates in the mixture, separating remaining solids from the liquid fermentation products, and drying the resulting solids to yield a substantially pure lignin product. Optionally, the lignin product may be washed and subjected to a second hydrolysis step. Optionally, the lignin product may be further processed by hydrotreating and/or pyrolysis in order to yield desirable products such as fuel additives.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing modified lignin and the resulting non-natural modified lignin product in which a lignin-producing polymerization reaction is performed using a polymerizable monomer having the structure: wherein at least one of the polymerizable monomers is incorporated into the resulting lignin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of waste in a reactor (3) comprising the steps of combining the waste to be processed and an aqueous, alkaline solution to form a reaction mixture, heating the reaction mixture to a temperature range between 140° C. to 250° C. and a pressure between 3 bar and 12 bar to produce at least one aqueous, organic phase, a gas phase and optionally a solid phase, removing the gas phase from the reactor (3), separating the organic and aqueous components of the gas phase, in particular by means of a rectification column and feeding the aqueous components of the gas phase back into the reactor.

Abstract: A structure is disclosed containing a sorbent with amine groups that is capable of a reversible adsorption and desorption cycle for capturing CO2 from a gas mixture wherein said structure is composed of fiber filaments wherein the fiber material is carbon and/or polyacrylonitrile.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for increasing lignin content in plants by expression of a cinnamoyl CoA reductase 2 (CCR2) coding sequence in the plant. Also provided are methods for reducing lignin content in a plant by down-regulation of CCR2 expression in the plant. Nucleic acid molecules for modulation of CCR2 expression and transgenic plants the same are also provided. Plants described herein may be used, for example, as improved biofuel feedstock and as highly digestible forage crops. Methods for processing plant tissue and for producing biofuels by utilizing such plants are also provided.