Abstract: Processes for manufacturing novolacs and resoles from lignin are disclosed. A phenol-aldehyde-lignin dispersion is formed which can then be used to make either a novolac or a resole, depending upon the catalysts used.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a high-performance rubber damping material and a method for preparing the same, relating to the technical field of damping materials. The method for preparing the high-performance rubber damping material includes: grafting hydroxyethyl methacrylate and lignin to a rubber molecular chain of natural rubber latex through graft copolymerization reaction, so as to obtain a high-performance rubber damping material. This method adopts natural rubber latex as a base material, the hydroxyethyl methacrylate and lignin are grafted to the rubber molecular chain of natural rubber latex through graft copolymerization reaction, to form a semi-interpenetrating network structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition and use thereof for the recovery of hydrocarbon fluids from a subterranean reservoir. More particularly, this invention concerns sulfonated epoxy resin polymers comprising an epoxide-containing compound, a primary amino sulfonate, and optionally one or more of a primary monoamine alkylene oxide oligomer, that modify the permeability of subterranean formations and increase the mobilization and/or recovery rate of hydrocarbon fluids present in the formations.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of modifying thermoplastic properties of lignin rich biomass to reduce agglomeration during any subsequent pyrolysis. The method comprises providing a lignin rich biomass and treating the lignin rich biomass with an alkali metal hydroxide or an alkaline earth metal hydroxide under conditions effective to reduce agglomeration, during any subsequent pyrolysis, compared to when the lignin rich biomass is not subjected to said treating. Also disclosed is a method of fast pyrolysis using the product of this method of modifying the thermoplastic properties of lignin rich biomass.

Abstract: Methods for the production and isolation of a monomer from a biopolymer are described. The method includes extracting a biopolymer from a biopolymer source and depolymerizing the biopolymer into a monomer. Methods for the production and isolation of a monomer from corn lignin are also described. The method includes extracting corn lignin from corn biomass and depolymerizing the corn lignin into a monomer.

Abstract: Methods of treating wood and wood products include irradiating untreated wood having a first molecular weight with ionizing radiation to cause an increase in the molecular weight of a cellulosic component of the wood to a second, relatively higher molecular weight.

Abstract: An organosolv process for producing bio-products by decomposing lignocellulosic materials comprises providing an initial lignin solvent with water, an acid, and a lignin dissolving chemical comprising at least one of an organic ester, butyl acetate, an organic furan, and furfural. The process also includes placing the lignin solvent in contact with a biomass to form a circulation solvent, and recycling at least a portion of the circulation solvent by circulating the circulation solvent back into contact with the biomass. The circulating of the circulation solvent occurs for a period of time, after which, the process then includes separating material such as chemicals and lignin from the circulation solvent. The chemicals can be recycled as new solvent or sold while lignin can be used as natural and renewable colorant for polymers such as poly lactic acid.

Abstract: Water based lignoepoxy resins, and methods for their preparation and use are provided. Methods of making lignoepoxy resins without the use of volatile organic compounds are also provided.

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: A method for preparing lignin graft copolymer comprising: reacting lignocellulosic materials with an acrylic compound by bulk condensation under nitrogen atmosphere in the presence of a non-oxidizing strong organic acid as catalyst; separating the reaction mixture to obtain a solid phase mainly containing lignocellulosic materials and a liquid phase containing lignin graft copolymer and unreacted acrylic compound; and removing solvent from the liquid phase to obtain the lignin graft copolymer.

Abstract: A resin binder for a toner obtained by polycondensing a carboxylic acid component and an alcohol component in the presence of a lignin compound; a toner for electrophotography, containing the resin binder; and a method for producing a resin binder for a toner, including the step of polycondensing a carboxylic acid component and an alcohol component in the presence of a lignin compound. The resin binder for a toner of the present invention is suitably used as a resin binder of a toner used in development of latent images formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed are two-component lignosulfonate adhesives, methods of synthesizing two-component lignosulfonate adhesives, kits comprising two-component lignosulfonate adhesives and methods of using two-component lignosulfonate adhesives.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into one or more of a de-lignified cellulose stream, a sugar stream, small-chain alcohol streams and four structurally distinct classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for recovering small-chain alcohols and optionally a first class of lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for recovering from the liquid fraction at least one of a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives or mixtures thereof, and waste stream comprising a fourth class of lignin derivatives. The fourth processing module may optionally recover the fourth class of lignin derivatives.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are method to modify the lignin with particular fungal species, and procedure to synthesize phenolic adhesives with the modified lignin as raw materials, and the adhesives compositions and methods for making adhesive compositions, and methods for making lingo-cellulosic composites from renewable materials. Four fungi in examples are Lenzites elegans (Spreng.) Pat. (FTK 329A), Phanerochaete cremea (Bres.) Parmasto (FTK 332A), Pycnoporellus alboluteus (Ellis & Everh.) Kotl. & Pouz. (FTK 76A) and Meruliopsis taxicola (Pers.) Bondartsev (FTK 122B). Lignin used in examples are organosolv lignin, Kraft lignin, and ammonium lignosulfonate. The present invention includes methods to (1) modify of lignin with fungi; (2) in-situ polymerize modified lignin-phenol-formaldehyde to generate bio-modified lignin-phenol-formaldehyde adhesive in liquid form, and (3) manufacture composite panels with bio-modified lignin-phenol-formaldehyde resins.

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: Modified polyphenol binder compositions and methods for making and using same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the binder composition can include at least one unsaturated monomer and at least one polyphenolic compound. The polyphenolic compound can include a lignin, a tannin, a novolac resin, a modified phenol formaldehyde resin, bis-phenol A, humic acid, or any mixture thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are graft co-polymers of lignin and poly(lactic acid) (lignin-g-PLA copolymer), thermoset and thermoplastic polymers including them, methods of preparing these polymers, and articles of manufacture including such polymers.

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: 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: The present invention generally relates to controlling the viscosity of water-based mud systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods and compositions for thinning and deflocculating aqueous based fluids used in well drilling and other well operations in subterranean formations, especially subterranean formations containing oil and/or gas. The invention also relates to a drilling fluid thinner and/or dispersant having improved temperature stability, dispersing properties and “solids contamination” tolerance.

Abstract: Disclosed are two-component lignosulfonate adhesives, methods of synthesizing two-component lignosulfonate adhesives, kits comprising two-component lignosulfonate adhesives and methods of using two-component lignosulfonate adhesives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the production of a resin such as a thermosetting resin, particularly a bioresin, components for use in the methods, and products obtained from the methods. In one aspect the method of forming a resin comprising the steps of: (1) providing an aldehyde-cross-linking agent condensate obtained by reacting a volatile aldehyde with a cross-linking agent; (2) providing a non-volatile aldehyde; and (3) combining the aldehyde-cross-linking agent condensate and the non-volatile aldehyde, thereby forming the resin.

Abstract: A method of treating biomass feed by pyrolyzing it in the presence of superheated steam at a selected temperature for a sufficient time to produce at least one product stream.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel purified polypeptide having laccase activity and the nucleic acid sequences encoding the polypeptide. The disclosed polypeptide works at moderately high temperatures from below 20° C. to about 70° C., both acidic and alkaline pH conditions, high salt concentrations and in the presence of organo solvents. The high stability of the enzyme enables its wide applications under even extreme conditions. The invention also provides methods of producing the laccase enzyme.

Abstract: Flame retardant and water resistant products are produced from bio-based materials such as lignin cellulose containing materials. The lignin cellulose materials are modified by the method of delignification. The method of this invention utilizes an amino compound in an aqueous solution to react with the lignin in the lignin cellulose and the amino lignin and freed lignin becomes water soluble. The amino compound also reacts with the non-water soluble lignin still attached to the cellulose and also to the cellulose that is produced. Other products are produced in this method such as carbohydrates, hemi-cellulose, rosins, waxes, alcohols and other products. The amino lignin, lignin, amino lignin and amino cellulose is reacted with many organic and inorganic compounds such as aldehydes, polyisocyanates, epoxies, polycarboxylic acids, vegetable oils and many other compounds to produce resins and adhesives which may be used to produce products such as molded products, particleboard, plywood, ABS, etc.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, by using a resin composition including lignin and a curing agent in which the lignin is soluble in an organic solvent and contained in the resin composition in an amount of from 10 to 90% by mass, there are provided a molded product and a composite molded product which are obtained from plant resources as a main raw material and to which a good flame retardance and a good antibacterial property are imparted.

Abstract: Method for making lignocellulosic composites by adhering lignocellulosic substrates together. A first variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) first ingredient selected from a soy protein or lignin and (ii) at least one substantially formaldehyde-free curing agent that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide, or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the soy protein. A second variant of the method involves using an adhesive composition that comprises a reaction product of (i) a protein or lignin, (ii) a first compound that includes at least one amine, amide, imine, imide or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic functional group that can react with at least one functional group of the protein and (iii) a curing agent.

Abstract: Delignification of biomass consisting of lignin containing plant is done by utilizing an amino compound in and aqueous solution at ambient temperature up to 150 degree C. to produce and aqueous solution of amino salt of lignin and an amino-lignin-cellulose which is not soluble in water. The aqueous solution of amino salt of lignin is then filtered off of the amino-lignin-cellulose. The aqueous solution of amino salt of lignin or the amino salt of lignin with the amino-lignin-cellulose may be reacted with an aldehyde to produce an amino-lignin-aldehyde resin or an amino-lignin-cellulose aldehyde resin which may be of the thermoplastic or thermosetting type. The thermoplastic resins are fire resistant, hard, strong, not water soluble and may be used to make exterior fiberboard, OAS boards, plywood, molded products, etc. These urea salts of lignin may also be utilized as long acting fertilizer, to produce plastics and other products.

Abstract: Provided is an environmentally friendly novel plant-based polycarbonate resin. Specifically, disclosed are: a plant-based polycarbonate resin which is a polymer derived from a plant-based material having a plurality of hydroxyl groups, in which molecules of the plant-based material are linked to each other through carbonate groups to form the polymer; and a production method of the polycarbonate resin.

Abstract: A resin binder for a toner obtained by polycondensing a carboxylic acid component and an alcohol component in the presence of a lignin compound; a toner for electrophotography, containing the resin binder; and a method for producing a resin binder for a toner, including the step of polycondensing a carboxylic acid component and an alcohol component in the presence of a lignin compound. The resin binder for a toner of the present invention is suitably used as a resin binder of a toner used in development of latent images formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method or the like.

Abstract: A method for producing carbon using less thermal energy is disclosed. Crystalline cellulose and acidic electrolyzed water are introduced into a reaction vessel. The mixture is heated until it reaches a predetermined temperature (230° C. to 250° C.) while being stirred. When the mixture reached the predetermined temperature, this temperature is maintained, and the mixture is kept heated while being stirred for a predetermined period of time (30 minutes). Thereby, carbon is produced in the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A method for preparing lignin graft copolymer comprising: reacting lignocellulosic materials with an acrylic compound by bulk condensation under nitrogen atmosphere in the presence of a non-oxidizing strong organic acid as catalyst; separating the reaction mixture to obtain a solid phase mainly containing lignocellulosic materials and a liquid phase containing lignin graft copolymer and unreacted acrylic compound; and removing solvent from the liquid phase to obtain the lignin graft copolymer.

Abstract: A method for producing chemically modified lignin decomposition products. To this end, a lignin-containing starting material is decomposed into low-molecular and high-molecular lignin decomposition products under acid conditions in the presence of a liquid medium, and the low-molecular lignin decomposition products are at least largely separated in order to obtain a high-molecular fraction. Subsequently, the high-molecular lignin decomposition products present in the high-molecular fraction are converted into chemically modified lignin decomposition products. The chemically modified lignin decomposition products obtained in this way can be used, for example, as dispersing agents, complexing agents, phenol component, flocculant, thickener or auxiliary agents for cementous systems, coatings, paints or adhesives.

Abstract: A carbon-based solid acid which has high activity and high thermal stability and is useful as an acid catalyst for various reactions such as hydration of olefins. The carbon-based solid acid for use as a catalyst is obtained by carbonization and sulfonation of an organic substance, which has a reduction rate of 10 mol % or less of acid content as measured by immersing the solid acid in hot water at 120° C. for 2 hours, is used as the acid catalyst. The organic substance to be used as the raw material for preparing the solid acid is preferably a saccharide having ?1-4 glycosidic bond (e.g. cellulose) or lignin. Amylose is also suitable as the raw material. Examples of the reaction for which the solid catalyst can be used include hydration of olefins, etherification of olefins, and acid/alcohol esterification.

Abstract: A cationic electrodepositable coating composition is disclosed.

Abstract: Composition and method of use for tannin based environmentally benign polymeric coagulants are disclosed. Tannin based coagulants are copolymers of naturally occurring tannins and a cationic monomer. One embodiment of the present invention provides for a composition, of a tannin based polymeric coagulant which is comprised of N,N-(dimethylaminoethyl) methacrylate (MADAME) polymerized using t-butylhydroperoxide and sodium metabisulfite. The resulting polyMADAME is converted to hydrochloride and then blended/reacted in an aqueous medium with tannin to obtain a homogenous poly(MADAME)-tannin composition. The method of use comprises adding an amount of the composition effective for the purpose of clarifying oily wastewater from food and beverage, steel, automotive, transportation, refinery, pharmaceutical, metals, paper and pulp, chemical processing and hydrocarbon processing industries.

Abstract: Delignification of biomass consisting of lignin containing plant is done by utilizing an amino compound in and aqueous solution at ambient temperature up to 150 degree C. to produce and aqueous solution of amino salt of lignin and an amino-lignin-cellulose which is not soluble in water. The aqueous solution of amino salt of lignin is then filtered off of the amino-lignin-cellulose. The aqueous solution of amino salt of lignin or the amino salt of lignin with the amino-lignin-cellulose may be reacted with an aldehyde to produce an amino-lignin-aldehyde resin or an amino-lignin-cellulose aldehyde resin which may be of the thermoplastic or thermosetting type. The thermoplastic resins are fire resistant, hard, strong, not water soluble and may be used to make exterior fiberboard, OAS boards, plywood, molded products, etc. These urea salts of lignin may also be utilized as long acting fertilizer, to produce plastics and other products.

Abstract: Flame retardant and water resistant products are produced from bio-based materials such as lignin cellulose containing materials. The lignin cellulose materials are modified by the method of delignification. The method of this invention utilizes an amino compound in an aqueous solution to react with the lignin in the lignin cellulose and the amino lignin and freed lignin becomes water soluble. The amino compound also reacts with the non-water soluble lignin still attached to the cellulose and also to the cellulose that is produced. Other products are produced in this method such as carbohydrates, hemi-cellulose, rosins, waxes, alcohols and other products. The amino lignin, lignin, amino lignin and amino cellulose is reacted with many organic and inorganic compounds such as aldehydes, polyisocyanates, epoxies, polycarboxylic acids, vegetable oils and many other compounds to produce resins and adhesives which may be used to produce products such as molded products, particleboard, plywood, ABS, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of a combination of a polymeric chelant and coagulant to treat metal containing wastewater. More particularly, the invention is directed at removing copper from CMP wastewater. The composition includes a combination of (a) a polymeric chelant derived from a polyamine selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetraamine (TETA), tertraethylenepentaamine (TEPA), poly[vinylamine], and branched or linear poly[ethylenimine] (PEI); and (b) a water soluble or dispersible copolymer of a tannin and a cationic monomer selected from the group consisting of methyl chloride or dimethyl sulfate quaternary salt of dimethyl aminoethyl acrylate, diethylaminoethyl acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, diethylaminoethyl methacrylate, dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide, dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide, and diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride.

Abstract: This invention is a method preparing solutions or mixtures of oligimer or polymer in a solution of polymerizable monomer, applying that solution to the surface of a solid porous substance like wood, heating to drive the mixture into the surface zone of the substance and causing the polymerizable monomer to cure. This produces a reinforced, hardened, protective shell around the porous substance.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method where lactic acid, its water solution, lactide, lactic acid oligomer, polylactic acid or mixture thereof is used for the degradation of cellulose based biomass, such as natural structure of wood, and transformation into plasticized or partly liquefied state so that the cellulose fibers and other components of the biomass can be separated, recovered, modified chemically or recycled by further treatments.

Abstract: A method of depolymerizing galactomannan-type polysaccharide polymers and xanthan, preferably galactomannans, to a pre-selected lower molecular weight by irradiation with high energy electron beams. The preferred galactomannans for treatment according to this method are guar gum, guar splits and hydroxypropyl guar. In a preferred embodiment the guar gum is depolymerized preferably to a molecular weight of about 150,000 Daltons to about 200,000 Daltons. The depolymerized guar has a polydispersity of less than about 3.0 and is useful in oil well fracturing to enhance oil production.

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: Disclosed are modified naturally occurring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin made by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical properties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

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: The present invention provides carbon fiber paper consisting of an organic high-molecular compound as a binder and carbon fibers, characterized in that the carbon fibers contain thin fibers with an average diameter smaller than 5 &mgr;m and an average fiber length of 3 to 10 mm; a porous carbon electrode substrate for a fuel cell having a thickness of 0.05 to 0.5 mm and a bulk density of 0.3 to 0.8 g/cm3, also having a bending strength of 10 MPa or higher and a deflection of 1.5 mm or more at the time of bending, measured by a three-point bending test in conditions of using a sample width of 1 cm, a strain rate of 10 mm/min, and a distance between supporting points of 2 cm; and a method of producing a porous carbon electrode substrate for a fuel cell by impregnating the carbon fiber paper with a thermosetting resin, curing the thermosetting resin by heating and pressing treatment, and then carbonizing the paper.

Abstract: The presently disclosed invention relates to a phenolic binder comprising a premix of a urea modified phenol-formaldehyde resole resin, a curing agent, and an additive selected from the group consisting of ammonium lignosulfonate, melamine and a melamine derivative. A method for reducing gaseous emissions in the manufacture of fibrous insulation materials is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing phenol-formaldehyde thermoset resin that can contain up to 80% by weight a black liquor, preferably a sodium carbonate black liquor. Black liquor are by-products extracted from pulping process, which normally contain lignosulfonates, kraft lignin or sodium carbonate lignin as well as salts, depending on the process that is used. The use of such a black liquor permits to obtain a stable copolymerized phenol-formaldehyde thermoset resin. In the process, the black liquor is first mixed with phenol in the pressure of a base. Then, formaldehyde is added together with a base in two successive steps. The obtained thermoset resin has bonding properties that meet or exceed the CSA and ASTM requirements for the engineered forest products, such as wafer boards or oriented strand boards at pressing cycles of 16 mm per second or less.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for modifying naturally occuring biocompatible biopolymers of plant and animal origin by subjecting same to ionizing radiation in the presence of a mediating gas, typically acetylene to enable one to selectively enhance and modify one or more of the physiochemical propserties of the starting materials which have a wide range of uses in medicine, food technology and other industrial applications. Notwithstanding the modifications, the biocompatibility of the biopolymer remains unchanged and no new or additional functional groups are introduced into the starting biopolymer.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of furfural, furfuryl alcohol, low molecular weight phenols and/or cellulose or a cellulose-rich material from a lignocellulosic material comprising: feeding a carrier gas into a reaction chamber to facilitate a fluidised bed effect and to carry reaction products and residues away from the reactor via entrainment; introducing a feedstock comprising particulate lignocellulosic material of a predetermined particle size into the reaction chamber; degrading the feedstock in the reaction chamber under an oxygen-containing atmosphere at a temperature of from 250° C. to 320° C.; and quenching the degraded feedstock and carrier gas to deposit solid residue entrained in the carrier gas and to condense a liquid product.