Abstract: A method for preparing a stable lignin-phenol blend includes a) mixing a lignin source with a dispersion system comprising a solvent to at least partially disperse the lignin and obtain a first mixture comprising a dispersed lignin fraction, a precipitated lignin fraction and the dispersion system, b) separating the precipitated lignin fraction from the dispersion system, and c) mixing phenol with the second mixture to provide a third mixture comprising dispersed lignin, phenol and the dispersion system; wherein the second mixture comprising dispersed lignin and dispersion system is used without any further treatment before mixing with phenol; d) optionally removing at least part of the dispersion system from the third mixture comprising dispersed lignin, phenol and dispersion system, e) obtaining a stable lignin-phenol blend with content of solvent of lower than 20 wt %.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the catalyzed decomposition of lignin with a high yield and high selectivity for phenolic building blocks and with minimal formation of the coke fraction, and to a catalyst suitable for the method. The catalyst contains a basic carrier material, platinum at a weight percentage of 1-10 wt. % and nickel at a weight percentage of 0-5 wt. %. The method comprises: providing a reaction mixture comprising—lignin, —the catalyst and —a solvent; and heating the reaction mixture so as to obtain a mixture comprising—a product mix, —the catalyst and —the solvent.

Abstract: Provided is a stable lignin-phenol blend for use in lignin modified phenol-formaldehyde resins comprising lignin in an amount between 10-80 wt %, phenol in an amount between 15-90 wt %, and a solubilizer in an amount between 0%-25 wt %.