Patents by Inventor Kimberly A. Nelson

Kimberly A. Nelson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20220127382
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a nanocellulose material, comprising: fractionating a lignocellulosic biomass feedstock in the presence of a solvent for lignin and water, but no acid catalyst, to generate cellulose-rich solids; and then mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form a nanocellulose material comprising cellulose nanofibrils and/or cellulose nanocrystals. Many organic or inorganic solvents are possible. In some embodiments, the solvent for lignin is an oxygenated organic compound, such as a C1-C18 alcohol, e.g. ethanol, ethylene glycol, propanol, propanediol, glycerol, butanol, or butanediol. The solvent for lignin may be an aromatic alcohol, such as phenol, cresol, or benzyl alcohol. The solvent for lignin may be a ketone, an aldehyde, or an ether, such as methyl ethyl ketone or diethyl ether. The solvent for lignin may be a non-oxygenated alkane, olefin, or aromatic hydrocarbon. In some embodiments, the solvent for lignin is an ionic liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR
  • Publication number: 20220098440
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity, hydrophobic cellulose. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and depositing lignin onto cellulose fibers to produce lignin-coated cellulose materials (such as dissolving pulp). The crystallinity of the cellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers. These polymers may be combined with the hydrophobic cellulose to form completely renewable composites.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Kimberly Nelson, Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen, Ryan O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20220073705
    Abstract: The disclosed technology provides improved compositions and methods for dispersion and drying of nanocellulose, for polymer composites and other systems. Some variations provide a nanocellulose-dispersion concentrate comprising nanocellulose and a dispersion/drying agent selected for compatibility with the nanocellulose and with the nanocellulose-containing composite product, wherein the dispersion/drying agent is selected from the group consisting of waxes, polyolefins, olefinmaleic anhydride copolymers, olefinacrylic acid copolymers, polyols, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, polyolglyceride esters, polydimethylsiloxanes, polydimethylsiloxanealkyl esters, polyacrylamides, starches, cellulose derivatives, particulates, and combinations or reaction products thereof, and wherein the nanocellulose-dispersion concentrate is in solid form (e.g., a powder) or liquid form. Other variations provide a nanocellulose-dispersion masterbatch (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Inventor: Kimberly NELSON
  • Publication number: 20220034038
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with sulfur dioxide or a sulfite compound and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The total mechanical energy may be less than 500 kilowatt-hours per ton. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR
  • Publication number: 20220002609
    Abstract: This disclosure provides drilling fluids and additives as well as fracturing fluids and additives that contain cellulose nanofibers and/or cellulose nanocrystals. In some embodiments, hydrophobic nanocellulose is provided which can be incorporated into oil-based fluids and additives. These water-based or oil-based fluids and additives may further include lignosulfonates and other biomass-derived components. Also, these water-based or oil-based fluids and additives may further include enzymes. The drilling and fracturing fluids and additives described herein may be produced using the AVAP® process technology to produce a nanocellulose precursor, followed by low-energy refining to produce nanocellulose for incorporation into a variety of drilling and fracturing fluids and additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre MONCLIN, Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA
  • Publication number: 20210395493
    Abstract: Nanocellulose dispersion compositions containing a partitioning agent and a nanocellulose, and methods of making the nanocellulose dispersion compositions, are disclosed. These compositions can promote improved dispersibility of the nanocellulose fibrils and nanocellulose crystals in polymer matrices, such as in elastomer formulations for use in tire production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 23, 2021
    Inventors: Charles R. HERD, Zachary A. COMBS, Lewis B. TUNNICLIFFE, Kimberly NELSON, Shaobo PAN
  • Publication number: 20210380787
    Abstract: Nanocellulose dispersion compositions containing a partitioning agent and a nanocellulose, and methods of making the nanocellulose dispersion compositions, are disclosed. These compositions can promote improved dispersibility of the nanocellulose fibrils and nanocellulose crystals in polymer matrices, such as in elastomer formulations for use in tire production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: December 9, 2021
    Inventors: Charles R. HERD, Zachary A. COMBS, Lewis B. TUNNICLIFFE, Kimberly NELSON, Shaobo PAN
  • Publication number: 20210363330
    Abstract: A polymer-nanocellulose-lignin composite as disclosed comprises a polymer, nanocellulose, and lignin, wherein lignin forms a hydrophobic interface between the polymer and the nanocellulose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Ryan P. O'CONNOR, Theodora RETSINA
  • Publication number: 20210340706
    Abstract: Some variations provide a process for producing a nanocellulose material, comprising: providing a biomass feedstock comprising a bleached or unbleached pulp material; fractionating the feedstock in the presence of an acid, a solvent for lignin, and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form cellulose fibrils and/or cellulose crystals, thereby generating a nanocellulose material. The process is preferably co-located with, or adjacent to, a mill that generates the pulp material. There are several advantages of a bolt-on AVAP® nanocellulose plant to an existing pulp mill, as disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Mikhail IAKOVLEV
  • Patent number: 11142668
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity, hydrophobic cellulose. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and depositing lignin onto cellulose fibers to produce lignin-coated cellulose materials (such as dissolving pulp). The crystallinity of the cellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers. These polymers may be combined with the hydrophobic cellulose to form completely renewable composites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: GranBio Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Nelson, Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen, Ryan O'Connor
  • Publication number: 20210284756
    Abstract: A composition comprising nanocellulose is disclosed, wherein the nanocellulose contains very low or essentially no sulfur content. The nanocellulose may be in the form of cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, or both. The nanocellulose is characterized by a crystallinity of at least 80%, an onset of thermal decomposition of 300° F. or higher, and a low light transmittance over the range 400-700 nm. Other variations provide a composition comprising lignin-coated hydrophobic nanocellulose, wherein the nanocellulose contains very low or essentially no sulfur content. Some variations provide a composition comprising nanocellulose, wherein the nanocellulose contains about 0.1 wt % equivalent sulfur content, or less, as SO4 groups chemically or physically bound to the nanocellulose. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose contains essentially no hydrogen atoms (apart from hydrogen structurally contained in nanocellulose itself) bound to the nanocellulose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Theodora RETSINA, Kimberly NELSON
  • Publication number: 20210284757
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 16, 2021
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Vesa PYLKKANEN, Ryan O'CONNOR
  • Publication number: 20210277151
    Abstract: Various processes are disclosed for producing nanocellulose materials following steam extraction or hot-water digestion of biomass. Processes are also disclosed for producing nanocellulose materials from a wide variety of starting pulps or pretreated biomass feedstocks. The nanocellulose materials may be used as rheology modifiers in many applications. Water-based and oil-based drilling fluid formulations and additives are provided. Also, water-based and oil-based hydraulic fracturing fluid formulations and additives are provided. In other embodiments, polymer-nanocellulose composites are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA
  • Publication number: 20210221919
    Abstract: Some variations provide a new nanolignocellulose composition comprising, on a bone-dry, ash-free, and acetyl-free basis, from 35 wt % to 80 wt % cellulose nanofibrils, cellulose microfibrils, or a combination thereof, from 15 wt % to 45 wt % lignin, and from 5 wt % to 20 wt % hemicelluloses. The hemicelluloses may contain xylan or mannan as the major component. Novel properties arise from the hemicellulose content that is intermediate between high hemicellulose content of raw biomass and low hemicellulose content of conventional nanocellulose. The nanolignocellulose composition is hydrophobic due to the presence of lignin. Processes for making and using the nanolignocellulose compositions are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA
  • Publication number: 20210214899
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive comprising of starch and nanocellulose. The adhesive has a nanocellulose concentration of between 0.1 wt % to 12.0 wt % and a starch concentration of between 01 wt % to 12.0 wt % based on the overall weight of the adhesive. The adhesive is produced by combining the nanocellulose and starch at a prescribed ratio and is applied on the surfaces of the paper product to be joined. The present invention also relates to a multi ply pulp product having at least two plies of pulp product joined using an adhesive wherein the adhesive has a nanocellulose concentration of 0.1 wt % to 12.0 wt % and a starch concentration of 0.1 wt % to 12.0 wt % based on the overall weight of the multi ply pulp product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Puvaneswari RAMASAMY, Sivasankari RANGANATHAN
  • Publication number: 20210155775
    Abstract: This disclosure provides a polymer composite including a polymer, nanocellulose, and a compatibilizer, wherein the nanocellulose comprises cellulose nanocrystals and/or cellulose nanofibrils, and wherein the compatibilizer comprises a maleated polymer. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose includes lignin-coated nanocellulose. The polymer may be selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polylactide, or poly(ethylene terephthalate). The maleated polymer may be selected from maleated polyethylene, maleated polypropylene, maleated polystyrene, maleated polylactide, or maleated poly(ethylene terephthalate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Publication date: May 27, 2021
    Inventors: Asis Kumar BANERJIE, Kimberly NELSON
  • Publication number: 20210148048
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2020
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Theodora RETSINA, Lee HILL
  • Publication number: 20210069378
    Abstract: Some variations of the invention provide a bioink composition for 3D bioprinting, comprising: nanocellulose in the form of nanocellulose crystals, nanocellulose fibrils, or preferably a combination thereof; alginate that is ionically crosslinkable in the presence of an ionic crosslinking agent; and water. The nanocellulose-alginate bioinks have favorable rheological, swelling, and biocompatibility properties for extrusion-based bioprinting. It is experimentally demonstrated that nanocellulose-alginate bioinks with human nasoseptal chondrocytes enable cartilage bioprinting at high resolution. The disclosed nanocellulose has been proven to be compatible with cell survival and proliferation; to possess nanoscale and microscale architectures mimicking the native extracellular environment, encouraging differentiation and tissue formation; and to have ideal rheological properties to allow extrusion 3D bioprinting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Inventors: Kimberly NELSON, Iain S. WHITAKER, Zita M. JESSOP, Ayesha AL-SABAH
  • Patent number: 10919985
    Abstract: A composition comprising nanocellulose is disclosed, wherein the nanocellulose contains very low or essentially no sulfur content. The nanocellulose may be in the form of cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, or both. The nanocellulose is characterized by a crystallinity of at least 80%, an onset of thermal decomposition of 300° F. or higher, and a low light transmittance over the range 400-700 nm. Other variations provide a composition comprising lignin-coated hydrophobic nanocellulose, wherein the nanocellulose contains very low or essentially no sulfur content. Some variations provide a composition comprising nanocellulose, wherein the nanocellulose contains about 0.1 wt % equivalent sulfur content, or less, as SO4 groups chemically or physically bound to the nanocellulose. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose contains essentially no hydrogen atoms (apart from hydrogen structurally contained in nanocellulose itself) bound to the nanocellulose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: GranBio Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Theodora Retsina, Kimberly Nelson
  • Patent number: 10906994
    Abstract: Processes disclosed are capable of converting biomass into high-crystallinity nanocellulose with surprisingly low mechanical energy input. In some variations, the process includes fractionating biomass with an acid (such as sulfur dioxide), a solvent (such as ethanol), and water, to generate cellulose-rich solids and a liquid containing hemicellulose and lignin; and mechanically treating the cellulose-rich solids to form nanofibrils and/or nanocrystals. The crystallinity of the nanocellulose material may be 80% or higher, translating into good reinforcing properties for composites. The nanocellulose material may include nanofibrillated cellulose, nanocrystalline cellulose, or both. In some embodiments, the nanocellulose material is hydrophobic via deposition of some lignin onto the cellulose surface. Optionally, sugars derived from amorphous cellulose and hemicellulose may be separately fermented, such as to monomers for various polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: GranBio Intellectual Property Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Kimberly Nelson, Theodora Retsina, Vesa Pylkkanen, Ryan O'Connor