Abstract: A composition may include at least 50 wt-% of a first lignin component; and up to 50 wt % of a second lignin component. The first and second lignin components may include processed lignin or native lignin. The composition may include at least 80 wt-% processed lignin; and at least 1 wt-%) of a blend component comprising an aromatic ring and one or more electron withdrawing groups. The processed lignin may include kraft lignin or GVL lignin or both. The composition may include a lignin component and a non-lignin blend component. Polymeric articles formed from the composition by casting, molding, or extrusion may exhibit a tensile strength of 20 MPa or greater, or a tensile elongation at break of 1.5%> or greater.

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: A method involving degrading materials that include lignin generally includes contacting a lignin sample with a flavin-dependent monooxygenase and contacting the lignin sample with an auxiliary compound.

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: Disclosed herein are methods that involve degrading materials that include lignin. In one aspect, the method generally includes contacting a lignin sample with a lignin depolymerase and contacting the lignin sample with an auxiliary compound. In another aspect, the method generally includes contacting an auxiliary compound with a sample that includes uncleaved lignin macromolecules and at least partially cleaved lignin components in intermolecular association with other lignin components and/or at least a portion of the uncleaved lignin macromolecules. In both aspects, the auxiliary compound dissociates at least partially cleaved lignin components from one another and/or the uncleaved lignin macromolecules.