Abstract: A process for converting lignocellulosic biomass to glucose or ethanol includes subjecting the lignocellulosic biomass to a lignosulfonic acid pretreatment, wherein the lignosulfonic acid has a concentration of sulfonate groups in acid form that is greater than 0.02 mol/L and a total amount of sulfur dioxide is greater than 15 wt % based on dry weight of lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: A process for converting lignocellulosic biomass to glucose or ethanol includes subjecting the lignocellulosic biomass to a SO2 pretreatment within the temperature range 110° C.-150° C. Good glucose yields have been achieved when the SO2 pretreatment is conducted for more than 90 minutes and when the total amount of SO2 available is greater than 20 wt % based on dry weight of lignocellulosic biomass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to environmentally friendly flame retardant materials based on renewable resources and industrial waste streams. The materials have advantageous intumescent properties, charring, gas phase radical traps and thermal stability. The present invention further relates to processes for the preparation of the flame retardant materials and to plastic materials comprising said flame retardant materials.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a nitrated lignin ester, comprising a structure including ester groups derived from hydroxy groups of lignin, nitric acid ester groups and nitro-group substituted aromatic moieties. The present invention is furthermore related to a process of making said nitrated lignin ester.

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: Methods for converting waste streams from the wood pulping industry to high-value surfactants are described. For example, isolated lignin and lignosulfonate or waste streams containing lignin and lignosulfonate can be directly converted to surfactants, or they can be first converted to methylol derivatives and treated with further reagents to produce surfactants.

Abstract: A two component adhesive system is described. The first component of the system is made from a sulfonated lignin having at least one amine group containing side arm and at least one hydroxyl group containing side arm. The second component of the system is made from a sulfonated lignin having at least one chloroformate group containing side arm.

Abstract: Methods of producing clean (e.g., low sulfur and metal ion content, and free of fermentation inhibitors) sugar and lignin-rich streams, and downstream conversion products, from lignocellulosic biomass, may include obtaining non-chemically pretreated, milled lignocellulosic biomass, reacting the milled lignocellulosic biomass with an enzymatic agent to produce a slurry that includes converted monomeric lignocellulosic sugars and lignin-rich residuals, and separating the slurry into a sugar stream that includes the converted monomeric lignocellulosic sugars and a lignin-rich stream that includes the lignin-rich residuals. The sugar stream, not including water, includes at least 75% monomeric lignocellulosic sugar, less than 0.20% sulfur, and less than 3.0% metal ion content, and the lignin-rich stream includes at least 35% lignin and less than 0.50% sulfur.

Abstract: A two component adhesive system is described. The first component of the system is made from a sulfonated lignin having at least one amine group containing side arm and at least one hydroxyl group containing side arm. The second component of the system is made from a sulfonated lignin having at least one chloroformate group containing side arm.

Abstract: Described is a method to oxidize lignin or lignin sub-units. The method includes oxidation of secondary benzylic alcohol in the lignin or lignin sub-unit to a corresponding ketone in the presence of unprotected primarily aliphatic alcohol in the lignin or lignin sub-unit. The optimal catalyst system consists of HNO3 in combination with another Brønsted acid, in the absence of a metal-containing catalyst, thereby yielding a selectively oxidized lignin or lignin sub-unit. The method may be carried out in the presence or absence of additional reagents including TEMPO and TEMPO derivatives.

Abstract: An adhesive may be formulated with a functional component that reacts in the presence of ultraviolet light with a neighboring functional component to form a nonreversible bond therebetween. The functional component may include at least one —C?C— functional group that is able to undergo dimerization with a neighboring component. A method for making the adhesive includes covalently bonding the functional component to a support polymer, wherein the functional component may be covalently bonded to the support polymer by a linking molecule. A kit containing the adhesive and an ultraviolet light source is also provided.

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: Disclosed are starch-based cross-linked phenolic heteropolymer compositions and methods of synthesizing starch-based cross-linked phenolic heteropolymer compositions as well as their use as adhesives or adhesive additives.

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: A new fertilizer comprising of amino lignin compounds, which are made by delignification of biomass containing lignin utilizing amino compounds and producing amino lignin, amino lignincellulose and cellulose. The urea lignincellulose is reacted with potassium hydroxide to produce potassium salt of amino lignin and lignincelluose. The amino lignin is reacted with phosphorous acid to produce an amino lignin phosphorous acid. These amino lignin compounds reacted with potassium and phosphorous acid are the source nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in the new solid or aqueous fertilizer.

Abstract: Disclosed are antifouling compositions that can include a biopolymeric matrix which is substantially zwitterionic. The compositions may include a biopolymer matrix having positively charged functional groups, negatively charged functional groups, zwitterionic functional groups, or a combination thereof, such that the composition is substantially zwitterionic. The compositions can be used as additives and as compositions further containing a base material such as paint or lacquer. Methods of making and using such compounds and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for converting waste streams from the wood pulping industry to high-value fertilizers are described. For example, isolated lignin and lignosulfonate or waste streams containing lignin and lignosulfonate can be converted to methylol derivatives and treated with further reagents to produce controlled release fertilizers, hydrogel fertilizers, and soil stabilizers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a method of production of biobased chemicals, biofuels, and lignin residues from lignin sources, including waste lignin. This method may allow for selectively producing biobased chemicals, biofuels, and lignin residues from lignin sources using certain processing methods. The methods for production of these biobased chemicals, biofuels, and lignin residues may be provided by chemical-induced processing, catalytic oxidative lignin depolymerisation processing, and catalytic hydroprocessing. Further, the catalytic hydroprocessing from processes including catalytic reduction processing, catalytic hydrodeoxygenation processing, and/or catalytic/dehydrogenation processing may also be used. The method described herein also provides a means in which waste from the process(es) may be reduced and/or recycled.

Abstract: The invention relates to nucleic acids encoding a feruloyl-CoA:monolignol transferase and the feruloyl-CoA:monolignol transferase enzyme that enables incorporation of monolignol ferulates, for example, including p-coumaryl ferulate, coniferyl ferulate, and sinapyl ferulate, into the lignin of plants.

Abstract: A cationic electrodepositable coating composition is disclosed. The present invention in directed to a cationic electrodepositable coating composition comprising a lignin-containing cationic salt resin, that comprises (A) the reaction product of: lignin, an amine, and a carbonyl compound; (B) the reaction product of lignin, epichlorohydrin, and an amine; or (C) combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for making lignin-amines is provided. The method comprises providing a lignin; then modifying the lignin with modifier to create a modified lignin; and then reacting the modified lignin with an amine to form a lignin-amine. Suitable modifiers comprise acrylates. A method for coagulating suspended materials in a water stream is also disclosed. The method comprises providing a water stream and contacting the suspended materials in the water stream with at least one lignin-amine.

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: 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 cationic electrodepositable coating composition is disclosed.

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 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: Novel modified lignin polymers containing anionic, cationic, and/or alkoxy substitution are disclosed. Further, new cleaning compositions including the novel substituted lignin polymers are disclosed. Methods of forming the modified lignin polymers and cleaning compositions are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to biologically degradable lignin graft polymers comprised of lignin and ethylenically unsaturated monomers which are formed by an enzymatically catalyzed polymerization method in the presence of organic peroxides. The polymerizates are suited, for example, for utilization as absorbers for water and aqueous liquids, as coagulants and thickeners, as water softeners and as dispersing agents.

Abstract: This invention features a graft copolymer of lignosulfonates reacted with an unsaturated carbonyl compound and an aldehyde, in two separate reaction steps. The resin can be used as a substitute for a majority of pure urea formaldehyde resin in the manufacture of composite board products. The resin can also be introduced directly into the urea formaldehyde resin production process.

Abstract: Lignin and polyether glycol produces a product which has a distinct melt point and melt viscosity. Polyether glycol has a plasticizing effect wherein the lignin can be thought of as the hard resin. When 20 parts of polyether glycol are processed with 80 parts of lignin a new material which has a melt point and a viscosity is created whereas lignin itself has no melt and flow characteristics. The new modified lignin can be cured with hexamine like a phenolic resin.

Abstract: The separation of black liquor, containing lignin, from tall oil is enhanced by the addition of a separation aid. The separation aid is an alkylphenol-formaldehyde resin alkoxylate, a poly (proplyene oxide) ethoxylate, an alkanol amine condensate, or combination thereof.

Abstract: Polymers containing lignin and organic compounds are produced by polymerizing the lignin with organic compounds containing at least 3 carbon atoms as well as oxygen, nitrogen and/or multiple-linkage functions in the presence of radically oxidizing enzymes and of oxidation products constituting their substrate.

Abstract: A process for producing an oxidized lignosulfonate composition comprising admixing a lignosulfonate and nitric acid such that the amount of acid comprises from about 35% to about 100% by weight of dry solids of the lignosulfonate, and reacting said mixture for a time sufficient to form the oxidized lignosulfonate composition.

Abstract: A method of producing a lignin amine salt resin composition for black aqueous printing ink formulation having an improved storage stability wherein from 10 to 60% of the lignin amine salt resin is replaced by acrylic resin, rosin resin, or a combination thereof. The lignin amine salt formulation functions as a grinding agent for the pigment in formulating and as a binder for the pigment in the printing process.

Abstract: Disclosed are tetraphenyl porphyrins which are beta-substituted by fluoro or chloro and/or bear electronegative substituents on the phenyl including one or two water solubilizing substituents. The new porphorins are particularly suitable as catalysts in a variety of oxidative reactions and methods.

Abstract: A lignosulfonate useful pharmacologically as an anti-thrombotic that inhibits deep venous thrombophlebitis without effecting blood coagulation, and which causes no apparent increased bleeding or side effects. The lignosulfonate is isolated from softwood spent sulfite liquor, and is administered in low dosages of from about 0.05 to about 1.0 mg/milliter of blood. A method of making and administering the lignosulfonate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new depressant composition is provided for the enhanced separation into separate value metal concentrates of copper, nickel, zinc, lead present in polymetallic and massive sulphide ores.The depressant is added in an aqueous solution prepared by dissolving first a mixture of quebrachio and dextrin, or quebracho and guar gum. To the solution of modified quebracho a water soluble salt of lignin sulphonate is added. The aqueous polymer of modified quebracho lignin sulphonate is further mixed with one or more of the following inorganic reagents: water soluble cyanide, metal sulphates and water soluble sulphites. The resulting depressant is added together with conventional flotation reagents in conventional mineral separation stages as required.

Abstract: Disclosed are tetraphenyl porphyrins which are beta-substituted by fluoro or chloro and/or bear electronegative substituents on the phenyl including one or two water solubilizing substituents. The new porphorins are particularly suitable as catalysts in a variety of oxidative reactions and methods.

Abstract: A product comprising lignin material having a N-content of at least 1.86% and a sulfur content of at least 3.1%, an IR in the vicinity of 1550 to 1670 cm.sup.-1 having a peak width of at least 60 cm.sup.-1. The product is also directed to such products being cross-linked and which are most suitable as chelating agents in basic medium. The product may also be used as flame retardant, for agricultural and other end uses. The invention is also directed at a method of making the above product which comprises heating a lignin containing material with thiourea H.sub.2 N--C(S)--NH.sub.2 : for example by heating in a solvent or melting.

Abstract: An additive for oil well drilling cement is provided by an azo lignosulfonate formed from the coupling of a diazonium salt made from sulfanilic acid or para-aminobenzoic acid and a lignosulfonate to provide an effective cement dispersant with low set time retardation.

Abstract: Surface active agents are prepared from by-products of papermaking. Lignin, modified lignin, resin acid, and tall oil fatty acid are reacted with a polyamine to produce an amine condensate, and this amine condensate is reacted with a bisulfite and formaldehyde in aqueous solution to produce the novel surface active agents.

Abstract: A polymer material of the product of reaction of a grass plant lignin derivative comprising lignin polymer fragments recovered from black liquor obtained in the pulping of grass plant material and containing an average of more than 0.4 sites per phenyl propane unit of the polymer fragments reactive to base catalyzed substitution and condensation reactions, with an electrophilic compound which is capable of reacting twice at one side or at least once at each of two different sites.

Abstract: A method of producing an amine-containing salt of a sulfonated lignin compound which may be effectively spray-dried for use in dry form comprising the steps of methylolating a lignin at an alkaline pH, lowering the pH of the methylolated lignin to precipitate the lignin, washing the precipitated lignin at an acid pH to remove impurities, sulfonating the methylolated lignin in the presence of a sulfur-oxygen-containing compound, an amine compound, and ammonium hydroxide and/or ammonium sulfite or bisulfite to produce an amine/ammonium salt thereof, and heating and spray-drying the sulfonated lignin amine/ammonium salt to effectively evaporate ammonia therefrom to produce the sulfonated lignin amine-containing salt in dry form.

Abstract: An improved composition for use as a dispersant in azo dye systems contaminated with soluble copper impurities comprising an amine lignosulfonate salt and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. Preferably, the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is employed in an amount of about 1 to about 4 moles per each molar amount of the copper present in the system, per 1,000 grams of the lignosulfonate. Also disclosed is an improved azo dye system containing an amine lignosulfonate salt and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and an improved method of dyeing materials with copper-contaminated dye systems containing azo dyestuffs and lignosulfonate salts wherein the azo dye reduction effect is alleviated by utilizing as the lignosulfonate salt an amine salt thereof, together with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

Abstract: A method of producing a lignin by-product of the black liquor residue of a kraft pulping process having improved water-solubility in amine salt form wherein the lignin precipitate of the black liquor residue is water-wash purified and maintained at moderately acid pH of no lower than about 5. The lignin may then be combined in aqueous slurry with an organic amine, such as monoethanolamine, to provide a highly stable aqueous solution of the amine salt of the lignin. The water-soluble lignin salt is particularly suited for use as an additive in water-based pigment printing compositions. The lignin amine salt functions as a grinding agent for the pigment in formulating and as a binder for the pigment in the printing process.

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: An improved lignosulfonate salt composition particularly suited for use as a dyestuff dispersant in azo dyestuff-containing dye systems wherein a sulfonated lignin salt is modified by ion-exchange reaction with an amine compound having a lower dissociation constant and pKa than the dissociation constant and pKa of the cation of the sulfonated lignin salt to provide a dispersant for an azo dyestuff which causes less color reduction of the azo dyestuff than the unmodified sulfonated lignin salt dispersant. More specifically, a sulfonated lignin salt having a relatively high pKa, such as a sodium or ammonium salt, is reacted with a lower pKa amine compound, such as triethanolamine, diethanolamine, or monoethanolamine, in amounts from about 0.1 to 2.5 moles per 1,000 grams of lignin to produce an ion exchange reaction between the sodium and ammonium cations and the amine cations to stabilize the lignin dispersant and inhibit its tendency for azo dye reduction in azo dye-containing dye systems.

Abstract: A reaction product and process for making the same of a lignosulfonate with an unsaturated fatty amine of 18 to 20 carbon atoms and an aldehyde. The process includes forming an aqueous solution of lignosulfonate at a solids concentration of 20% to 40%, adjusting the pH of the solution to above 10 or below 5, mixing the solution with a specified quantity of fatty amine to form a homogeneous mixture, adding the aldehyde to the mixture, and finally heating the mixture at a temperature of 25.degree. C. to 100.degree. C. for a period of one to 24 hours.

Abstract: A process for preparing sulfonated lignins suitable for use as dispersants and additives in dye compositions wherein sulfonated lignins are post-sulfonation crosslinked with a crosslinking agent of the aldehyde, epoxide, or polyhalide type at a pH range of between about 6.1 to 9 to selectively crosslink the low molecular weight fraction of the sulfonated lignins to provide improved heat stability and dispersibility of the sulfonated lignins in dye compositions. The invention also concerns disperse and vat dye compositions, and printing gels, containing the sulfonated lignins as a dispersing agent or additive.