Abstract: Method of forming colloidal lignin particles, comprising the step of dissolving lignin in a mixture of organic solvents, feeding of the said solution into water, and forming acolloidal dispersion of lignin. The used solvents are recovered with methods such as distillation and reused in the process. Water is removed from the colloidal dispersion by ultrafiltration and reused in the process. The concentrated colloidal dispersion is dried by spray drying. The invention can be used in applications where the colloidal nature of lignin will afford an advantage over bulk lignin.

Abstract: A rubber compound for the preparation of pneumatic tyre parts comprising at least a crosslinkable unsaturated-chain polymer base, a filler, a vulcanization system and a dispersing agent comprising, in turn, a functionalized lignin having a plurality of functionalizations of the general formula I wherein R and R? are different from each other and chosen from —OH and —OArLig and n is an integer between 1 and 6.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel acetoacetylated lignin resin compositions comprising the reaction product of lignin and an acetoacetate ester. The invention also relates to novel (meth)acrylated lignin resin compositions comprising the reaction product of lignin and a (meth)acrylic compound. The invention also relates to methods of making the novel acetoacetylated lignin resin compositions and the novel (meth)acrylated lignin resin compositions. The invention also relates to curable coating compositions comprising the novel acetoacetylated lignin resin composition or (meth)acrylated lignin resin composition. The invention also relates to methods of making the curable coating compositions of the invention. The invention also relates to methods of applying curable coating compositions of the invention to substrates. The invention also relates to articles of manufacture comprising a curable coating composition of the invention and a method of making such article.

Abstract: A lignin derivative including one or more polycations is provided and an article including such a lignin derivative is also provided. Methods of inhibiting microbial growth with an article including such a lignin derivative are further provided.

Abstract: Liquid kraft lignin compositions, methods of their production, and various methods of their use, including in preparing kraft lignin-containing LPF resins, which may in turn be used in producing OSB or other wood-based composites, and methods of assaying lignin content in such compositions, are disclosed. In an illustrative and non-exclusive embodiment, a liquid kraft lignin composition includes water in the amount of about 60-95% by weight, urea about 5-30% by weight, a group 1 alkaline metal hydroxide about 0.5-3.0% by weight, and kraft about 5-25% by weight on a dry basis.

Abstract: Aqueous binder composition for granular and/or fibrous substrates, where the binder contains i) a copolymer constructed from ethylenically unsaturated monomers; and ii) lignin.

Abstract: Provided is a shrinkage-reducing agent for a hydraulic material, which does not require a combination with any other admixture, is inexpensive, and is capable of suppressing a reduction in strength of a hardened concrete material, suppressing generation of a crack in a hardened concrete material by virtue of its excellent shrinkage-reducing ability, and imparting excellent freeze-thaw resistance. The shrinkage-reducing agent for a hydraulic material includes at least one kind of polyoxyalkylene compound (A) as an essential component, in which a concrete or a mortar produced by using the shrinkage-reducing agent for a hydraulic material has a spacing factor of 350 ?m or less.

Abstract: Wax emulsions for the manufacture of wallboard include water; a lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof; and at least one wax selected from the group consisting of slack wax, paraffin wax and montan wax. The emulsions may have a pH of between about 6.5 and 7.9. Such emulsions can provide enhanced moisture resistance to the wallboard.

Abstract: In one example implementation, a trans-esterified APL can include an APL and a polyester including polyester chains. The polyester may be an aliphatic polyester, a semi-aromatic polyester, or an aromatic polyester. In other examples, an acetate ester of the APL can be used to swap carboxylic acid groups with the alcohol oligomer units in the polyester chains.

Abstract: A flame retardant resin composition, containing a thermoplastic resin and a flame retardant, wherein the flame retardant contains a nitrogen-containing structure-introduced phosphorylated lignin derivative, wherein the nitrogen-containing structure-introduced phosphorylated lignin derivative is produced by introducing a nitrogen-containing structure into a lignin derivative and adding a phosphoric acid to the lignin derivative, or by adding a phosphoric acid to a lignin derivative and introducing a nitrogen-containing structure into the lignin derivative, or by introducing a nitrogen-containing structure into and adding a phosphoric acid to a lignin derivative simultaneously, and wherein the lignin derivative is obtained by subjecting a naturally occurring lignin to a treatment for allowing the naturally occurring lignin to be decomposed into small molecules or to be water-soluble.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for modifying cementitious materials such as by reducing setting time. Polymer compositions of the invention are derived by polyetherifying mono-glycerols, optionally with alkylene glycols, to obtain polyglycerol homopolymers or copolymers, and then carboxylating the obtained polyglycerol homopolymers and/or copolymers with an organic acid having at least two carboxylic functionalities. The set retardation effect of the carboxylated-carboxylic polyglycerol polymer compositions in cementitious materials is reduced is compared to polyglycerol polymer not having the carboxylated-carboxylic groups, while its water reducing ability is maintained without loss of early compressive strength. Cementitious compositions and methods involving the carboxylated-carboxylic polyglycerol are also covered by the invention.

Abstract: Modified lignin having covalently attached phosphorous containing groups and methods for preparing such compounds are described herein. The modified lignin described herein provides a renewable source of flame retardant material.

Abstract: A flame retardant resin composition including: a thermoplastic resin; and a flame retardant, wherein the flame retardant includes a phosphorylated lignin derivative, and wherein the phosphorylated lignin derivative is produced by adding phosphoric acid to a lignin derivative obtained by subjecting a naturally occurring lignin to a predetermined treatment.

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 composition is provided in one example embodiment and includes a modified lignin, a thermoplastic, and a compatibilizer. The modified lignin may be between about 5% to about 50% by weight of the composition. Also, the modified lignin may be a Hydroxypropyl Lignin (HPL). In an example, the thermoplastic can include a High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). In another example, the thermoplastic can include a Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). In yet another example, the thermoplastic can include a Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). The compatibilizer may be a Maleic Anhydride grafted Polyethylene Blend (MAh-g-PE).

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising esterified lignin and poly(lactic acid). In various embodiments, the present invention provides fibers comprising the esterified lignin and poly(lactic acid) blend, carbon fibers made therefrom, and methods of making the fiber and the carbon fibers.

Abstract: A process for improving the rheological properties of an aqueous dispersion comprising adding a rheology modifier to the aqueous dispersion, and then adding a water soluble synthetic polymer flocculant to the aqueous dispersion. The rheology modifier may be selected from the group consisting of natural polymers, semi-natural polymers, synthetic materials and combinations thereof. The water soluble synthetic polymer flocculant may be selected from the group consisting of water soluble anionic polymers, cationic polymers, amphoteric polymers, nonionic polymers, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized lignin, rubber compositions which contain functionalized lignin and to products which have at least one component comprised of such rubber composition.

Abstract: A phase change ink composition includes a carrier; an optional colorant; and a lignosulfonate compound of the formula wherein R is hydrogen or and wherein the cationic counterion+ is a nitrogen-alkyl cationic counterion, a nitrogen-aryl cationic counterion, a nitrogen-alkylaryl cationic counterion, or a nitrogen arylalkyl cationic counterion; and wherein the cationic counterion contains at least eight carbon atoms.

Abstract: A flame retardant resin composition including: a thermoplastic resin; and a flame retardant, wherein the flame retardant includes a phosphorylated lignin derivative, and wherein the phosphorylated lignin derivative is produced by adding phosphoric acid to a lignin derivative obtained by subjecting a naturally occurring lignin to a predetermined treatment.

Abstract: In one example implementation, a trans-esterified APL can include an APL and a polyester including polyester chains. The polyester may be an aliphatic polyester, a semi-aromatic polyester, or an aromatic polyester. In other examples, an acetate ester of the APL can be used to swap carboxylic acid groups with the alcohol oligomer units in the polyester chains.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a PLA-graft-lignin polymers and copolymers and methods of making the same. As the lignocellulosic biorefining industry emerges as a viable fuels technology, the availability of the assortment of lignins will also expand. The use of lignins as a copolymer is one area where lignin may be utilized.

Abstract: Aqueous binder composition for granular and/or fibrous substrates

Abstract: A resin for OSB comprising an aqueous resole reaction product of phenol, formaldehyde, alkaline metal hydroxide or carbonate, urea and a degraded lignin polymer having 35-65% solids, a pH of 8-13 and a viscosity 50-1000 centipoises. The phenol and formaldehyde are present in a molar ratio of 1.5 to 3.4 moles formaldehyde to 1 mole phenol and are 40 to 85% of the total solids added to the mixture. In one embodiment they are 50 to 75% of the total solids added to the mixture. The alkaline metal hydroxide or carbonate are 5 to 20% of the total solids added to the mixture. Urea is 5 to 35% of the total solids added to the mixture. The degraded lignin is 5 to 20% of the total solids added to the mixture. A method for making the resin and a product using the resin.

Abstract: A resin for OSB comprising an aqueous resole reaction product of phenol, formaldehyde, alkaline metal hydroxide or carbonate, urea and a degraded lignin polymer having 35-65% solids, a pH of 8-13 and a viscosity 50-1000 centipoises. The phenol and formaldehyde are present in a molar ratio of 1.5 to 3.4 moles formaldehyde to 1 mole phenol and are 40 to 85% of the total solids added to the mixture. In one embodiment they are 50 to 75% of the total solids added to the mixture. The alkaline metal hydroxide or carbonate are 5 to 20% of the total solids added to the mixture. Urea is 5 to 35% of the total solids added to the mixture. The degraded lignin is 5 to 20% of the total solids added to the mixture. A method for making the resin and a product using the resin.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flame retardant agent, including a nitrogen-based lignin formed by reacting 1 part by weight of lignin, 0.8 to 2.4 parts by weight of a nitrogen-containing compound, and 0.3 to 0.9 parts by weight of an aldehyde under an alkaline condition. The flame retardant agent can be added to thermoplastic or thermosetting resins to form flame retardant materials.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for making compositions useful for imparting water resistance to gypsum products are disclosed. Processes for making gypsum products made from an emulsion of the composition are also disclosed. The compositions of the invention include at least one paraffin wax, a saponifiable wax, and a styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer. The composition may further include water and be in the form of an emulsion.

Abstract: Provided is a shrinkage-reducing agent for a hydraulic material, which does not require a combination with any other admixture, is inexpensive, and is capable of suppressing a reduction in strength of a hardened concrete material, suppressing generation of a crack in a hardened concrete material by virtue of its excellent shrinkage-reducing ability, and imparting excellent freeze-thaw resistance. The shrinkage-reducing agent for a hydraulic material includes at least one kind of polyoxyalkylene compound (A) as an essential component, in which a concrete or a mortar produced by using the shrinkage-reducing agent for a hydraulic material has a spacing factor of 350 ?m or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for modifying cementitious materials such as by reducing setting time. Polymer compositions of the invention are derived by polyetherifying mono-glycerols, optionally with alkylene glycols, to obtain polyglycerol homopolymers or copolymers, and then carboxylating the obtained polyglycerol homopolymers and/or copolymers with an organic acid having at least two carboxylic functionalities. The set retardation effect of the carboxylated-carboxylic polyglycerol polymer compositions in cementitious materials is reduced is compared to polyglycerol polymer not having the carboxylated-carboxylic groups, while its water reducing ability is maintained without loss of early compressive strength. Cementitious compositions and methods involving the carboxylated-carboxylic polyglycerol are also covered by the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flame retardant agent, including a nitrogen-based lignin formed by reacting 1 part by weight of lignin, 0.8 to 2.4 parts by weight of a nitrogen-containing compound, and 0.3 to 0.9 parts by weight of an aldehyde under an alkaline condition. The flame retardant agent can be added to thermoplastic or thermosetting resins to form flame retardant materials.

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: Provided is a polycarbonate resin composition which has: a high degree of biomass (degree of vegetation); is excellent in environmental performance; has high fluidity and high impact resistance; is excellent in flame retardancy and heat resistance; and further provides a molded body excellent in molding appearance, by blending (B) a lignophenol at a specific ratio into (A) a polycarbonate resin or a resin mixture formed of the component (A) and (C) a polylactic acid and/or a copolymer containing a polylactic acid.

Abstract: A cationic electrodepositable coating composition is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides binder compositions comprising an ethylenically unsaturated carboxy acid grafted lignin or lignosulfonate component, and an oxazoline-functional group containing polymer or resin component, the two components in a solids weight ratio of from 50:50 to 98:2. As formulated, the compositions may comprise from 40 to 98 wt. % of the acid grafted lignosulfonate, preferably, 50 wt. % or more. Preferably, the binder composition further comprises one or more in situ acid generator compound to insure more rapid cure on heating or pressing. The binder enables the provision of low cost composite materials comprising a majority component derived from natural materials, and having a reasonable wet strength.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material, particularly a composite material designed as a molded body and/or suited for the production of molded bodies, composed of polymer materials and a porous mineral matrix, said composite material expanding under the action of liquids, particularly aqueous liquids and/or aqueous oil emulsions, and storing said liquids, characterized in that the matrix it comprises includes crushed and/or ground, open-pored, expanded/expanded perlite in the form of sharp-edged perlite particles and at least one natural and/or synthetic cross-linked and/or partially cross-linked polymer and/or polymer forming a hydrogel.

Abstract: Blends of polyphenylene oxide-based polymers and lignin esters are described. These blends exhibit modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and elongation at break values that are substantially the same as or greater than the modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and elongation at break values for the polyphenylene oxide-based polymer alone. The blends provide compositions that have properties comparable to the polyphenylene oxide-based polymers, yet utilize less polymer.

Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized lignin, rubber compositions which contain functionalized lignin and to products which have at least one component comprised of such rubber composition.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of amine-functionalized vinyl polymer particles which process comprises suspension polymerizing minostyrene together with at least one other vinylic monomer and optionally a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: Thin-layer lignocellulosic composites made using hybrid poplar and methods for the manufacture of such thin-layer composites are disclosed. Also described is a process for making thin-layer lignocellulosic composite door skins using hybrid poplar wood fiber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispersants such as superplasticizers for hydratable cementitious compositions, and more particularly to methods for achieving variable degrees of longer slump life in concrete and mortar without loss of stability. This is achieved by using two admixture systems. The first admixture composition has multi-components for achieving initial-slump-enhancement, later-slump-retention, and limiting initial slump. The second admixture composition has the later-slump-enhancing component. Alternatively, conventional water reducers or superplasticizers can be employed initially, followed by the later-slump-enhancing admixture composition.

Abstract: Adhesive compositions produced from abundant and renewable resources such as lignocellulosic materials, particularly decayed lignocellulosic materials or demethylated lignin. Other components present in particular examples of the adhesive compositions include relatively inexpensive materials, such as borates and/or polyethyleneimine. Also disclosed are lignocellulosic composites that are made from the adhesive compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved aqueous suspension concentrate for water insoluble chemicals comprising a mixture of an anionic suspension agent and a homo- and/or a co-polymer of a heterocyclic vinyl lactam combined in a mole ratio of between about 0.1:1 and about 10:1.

Abstract: An optical material, particularly a plastic lens for spectacles, which absorbs almost all UV rays of up to around 400 nm or so and is not too yellow in color, is obtained by adding 2-(2-hydroxy-4-octyloxyphenyl)-benzotriazole to a diethylene glycol bisallylcarbonate monomer, a (thio)urethane monomer or an episulfide monomer, mixing them, and polymerizing the monomer.

Abstract: A water-soluble granular composition including at least 40% of at least one plant growth regulator, at least one binder, at least one disaccharide and at least one surfactant; as well as methods for making and using the composition are disclosed. The water-soluble granular composition advantageously improves preparation of a solid plant growth regulator formulation for spray application, as such composition swiftly dissolves, is easily metered for application, can be more highly concentrated and is dust-free. A presently preferred water-soluble granular composition includes at least 40% of at least one gibberellin as the plant growth regulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for manufacturing ligneous material, characterized in comprising the steps of acetylating wood elements selected from among wood pieces crushed from lumber, thin wood plates peeled from lumber, and wood fiber obtained by means of defibrating lumber, such that the degree of acetylation (weight percent gain) is 7% or greater, and preferably 7 to 18%; and binding the resultant aceylated wood elements, using a binder containing polyisocyanate. Thereby, it is possible to provide inexpensive ligneous material which exhibits only minor dimensional changes from moisture, wherein only a small amount of formaldehyde is released.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a formulation for sealing the edge of a wood-based panel. The formulation includes a butylacrylate latex, a solution of a wax in oil, a surfactant, and water. In another aspect of the invention, a wood-based panel that is edge-sealed with a sealant formulation is provided.

Abstract: This method will produce depolymerized lignins substantially free from sodium compounds. Black liquor supplied from a pulping process is utilized for providing a mixture of depolymerized lignins dispersed and dissolved in absolution containing sodium hydroxide. The mixture is then separated to form depolymerized lignins and a solution containing sodium hydroxide. Following separation, the depolymerized lignins are then extracted with water to produce an extractate containing water soluble sodium compounds. The extracted depolymerized lignins, containing sodium compounds, are then reacted with an acid to form sodium salts. The solution containing sodium salts is then separated from the extracted depolymerized lignins to produce substantially sodium free depolymerized lignins. The separated solution containing sodium hydroxide is combined with the extractate and the combination, subsequent to removal of water, is made available to reuse for recycle to depolymerize, disperse and dissolve additional lignins.

Abstract: Biobased cross-linked compositions, methods of fabrication and structures, in particular biobased printed wiring boards using the compositions and methods of making the structures are described. Biobased materials such as lignin, crop oils, wood resins, tannins, and polysaccharides and combinations thereof are cross-linked, preferably using heat, a cross-linking agent, and an initiator. The materials fabricated have suitable properties for printed wiring boards which are made by impregnating a fiberglass or biobased cloth with an admixture of the biobased material, cross-linking agent and initiator which is processed by conventional methods to produce a printed wiring board.

Abstract: An adhesive binder for bonding together lignocellulosic particles, fibers and flakes of vegetable origin to form particle boards, fiber boards, flake boards and similar wood-based products, comprising a solublized fraction obtained by enzymatic treatment of fibrous, lignocellulosic raw materials. The present binder can be obtained by treating fibrous lignocellulosic raw material with a hydrolytic enzyme in an aqueous medium, recovering the solubilized material of the enzymatic treatment, forming an aqueous suspension containing said material and an oxidase, and oxidizing said material in the presence of said oxidase by introducing oxygen-containing gas into the supension. This method thus produces an increased amount of a water-soluble fraction containing carbohydrates, extractives and lignin useful as an adhesive binder.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intermediate product for the preparation of polymerizates from lignin derivatives obtained from the cellulose industry. The intermediate product is produced by treating the lignin derivatives with enzymes capable of oxidizing phenol in the presence of oxidizing agents. According to the invention the lignin derivatives are subjected to the enzymatic treatment for more than 3 hours in the presence of air, or they are subjected to an enzymatic treatment for more than 10 min, whereby air or oxygen is introduced. The lignin polymers obtained from the polymerization of lignin derivatives performed in the presence of active intermediate products are suited for use in the production of binding agents for wood materials.