Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the production of a sulfomethylated lignin amine salt from the lignin by-product of the black liquor residue of a kraft pulping process and the use of lignin amine salts as additives in other chemical compositions. The lignin amine salt is produced by precipitating lignin from the block liquor and reacting the precipitated lignin slurry with formaldehyde. Thereafter, the lignin slurry is acidified to a pH of about 2 to 3 and water-washed to remove inorganic salts and other impurities therefrom. The washed methylolated lignin is reacted with an organic amine and a sulfur-oxygen-containing compound, such as sulfur dioxide to form the sulfomethylated lignin amine salt.The sulfomethylated lignin amine salt products are disclosed as an additive in dyestuff and printing ink compositions, as well as a sequestrant in pesticide compositions, with improved results over certain lignin salts heretofore employed as additives in such compositions.

Abstract: A method of crop seed treatment is disclosed which provides an increase in the yield of seedlings emerging from the treated seeds in soil and stimulates growth of the seedlings. The method comprises coating the seeds prior to planting with an aqueous suspension of water-insoluble alkali lignin containing minor amounts of at least one surfactant wherein the lignin has a mean particle size of from 0.5 to 5 microns in diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the production of a sulfomethylated lignin amine salt from the lignin by-product of the black liquor residue of a kraft pulping process and the use of lignin amine salts as additives in other chemical compositions. The lignin amine salt is produced by precipitating lignin from the black liquor and reacting the precipitated lignin slurry with formaldehyde. Thereafter, the lignin slurry is acidified to a pH of about 2 to 3 and water-washed to remove inorganic salts and other impurities therefrom. The washed methylolated lignin is reacted with an organic amine and a sulfur-oxygen-containing compound, such as sulfur dioxide to form the sulfomethylated lignin amine salt.The sulfomethylated lignin amine salt products are disclosed as an additive in dyestuff and printing ink compositions, as well as a sequestrant in pesticide compositions, with improved results over certain lignin salts heretofore employed as additives in such compositions.

Abstract: A method of crop seed treatment is disclosed which provides an increase in the yield of seedlings emerging from the treated seeds in soil and stimulates growth of the seedlings. The method comprises coating the seeds prior to planting with an aqueous suspension of a water-insoluble alkali lignin containing minor amounts of at least one surfactant wherein the lignin has a mean particle size from 0.5 to 5 microns in diameter.

Abstract: A method for protecting crops from injury caused by the application of herbicides and fungicides has been discovered, the method comprising applying to the crops in combination with the pesticide a phytotoxicity reducing amount of a water-insoluble, non-sulfonated alkali lignin. A water-insoluble, non-sulfonated alkali lignin based spray tank mix additive is provided which, when mixed with the pesticide prior to application, reduces the phytotoxic effect of the pesticide.

Abstract: A sustained release composition is disclosed which provides an improved carrier for an organic pesticide. The improved carrier is a reversibly swellable lignin gel made by cross-linking an alkali lignin with epichlorohydrin using particular conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cross-linked lignin gels which have been found useful as pesticide carriers in controlled release pesticide systems. The carrier is a highly reswellable cross-linked lignin gel prepared by reacting alkali lignin with from 1 mole to 10 moles of cross-linking agent, such as formaldehyde, per 1,000 grams of lignin. An aqueous solution of lignin and the cross-linking agent is reacted at elevated temperatures until cross-linking occurs to the point where a discernible increase in viscosity takes place and the gel is formed. The gels are allowed to dehydrate, and the pesticide in an amount from 0.1:1.0 to 2:1 (pesticide to carrier) is included by reswelling the dehydrated gel in an aqueous solution of the pesticide.

Abstract: A sustained release composition is disclosed which provides an improved carrier for an organic pesticide. The improved carrier is a reversibly swellable lignin gel made by cross-linking an alkali lignin with epichlorohydrin using particular conditions.