A solid polymer blend material comprising: (i) a lignin-acrylonitrile component containing a homogeneous blend of a lignin component and an acrylonitrile-containing rubber component; and (ii) a styrene-containing thermoplastic component that is non-elastomeric; wherein components (i) and (ii) are homogeneously dispersed in the polymer blend material. Methods for producing the blend material are also described. Methods for producing objects made of the blend material by melt extrusion are also described, comprising: (a) melt blending components (i) and (ii) to form a polymer blend in which components (i) and (ii) are homogeneously blended, wherein the polymer blend exhibits a melt viscosity of no more than 2000 Pa.Math.s at a shear rate of 100-1000 s.sup.−1 and when heated to a temperature of no more than 240° C.; and (b) forming an object made of said polymer blend material.

The process includes pretreating the biomass with a first basic solution such as sodium hydroxide and mechanically altering the fibers to provide a fluidized biomass. The fluidized biomass is then subjected to high frequency pulses and shear forces without denaturing the individual components of the biomass. The biomass is then subjected to compressive force to separate a first liquid fraction from a first fractionated biomass. The first fractionated biomass may again then be subjected to the same high frequency pulses and shear forces as previously, particularly if there are hemicellulose and/or sugars still present in the first fractionated biomass. Compressive forces are used to separate a second liquid fraction from a second fractionated biomass. The second fractionated biomass is subjected to oxidation such as with hydrogen peroxide at a pH of 8 to 12. The second fractioned biomass is then subjected to compressive forces to separate one or more water insoluble components of the biomass in water soluble form.

The invention relates to a method for producing lignin particles, comprising the steps of: a) extracting lignin from a lignincontaining starter material, using a mixture that comprises at least one organic solvent and water, and b) precipitating the lignin in the solution from step a).

A plant-extract-containing polyester fiber is provided. The plant-extract-containing polyester fiber comprises raw materials including polyester chips, calcium carbide powder, cycloalkyl powder, halloysite powder, plant-extract functional additive, allyl glycidyl ether, organic acid salt, chromium sulfate, dispersing agent, surface active phospholipid, plasticized starch, chitosan, wetting agent, sodium salt of caboxy methyl cellulose, and antistatic agent.

An acidic water-based process was developed for the synthesis of anionic lignin copolymers with adjustable MW, thermal stability and solubility in water. The anionic lignin copolymer described herein comprises: a molecular weight of 5,000 to 7.4×10.sup.5 g/mol; and a charge density of −1 to −7.2 meq/g. The anionic lignin copolymers described herein which have a molecular weight range of 000-50,000 g/mol can be used as dispersants of negatively charged molecules or particles in numerous process or wastewater streams (e.g. concrete admixtures, gypsum slurries, textile dye) while such copolymers in a molecular weight range of 90,000-740,000 g/mole can be used as flocculants of positively charged molecules or particles in numerous process and wastewater streams including industrial and municipal systems and sludge dewatering in the textile dye, pulp & paper, mining and oil industries.

Disclosed herein a method for preparing a bio-filler for a plastic from woods and a bio-filler for a plastic prepared thereby.

A process is disclosed for the production of an epoxy resin. This process includes providing lignin, one or more acids and/or esters derived from epoxidized vegetable oil(s), optionally a solvent and optionally a catalyst, to form a reactive mixture. The reactive mixture is mixed and cured in the presence of a curing agent to form the epoxy resin.

The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing an aqueous dispersion of lignin and the use of said suspension in the preparation of a resin.

The process includes pretreating the biomass with a first basic solution such as sodium hydroxide and mechanically altering the fibers to provide a fluidized biomass. The fluidized biomass is then subjected to high frequency pulses and shear forces without denaturing the individual components of the biomass. The biomass is then subjected to compressive force to separate a first liquid fraction from a first fractionated biomass. The first fractionated biomass may again then be subjected to the same high frequency pulses and shear forces as previously, particularly if there are hemicellulose and/or sugars still present in the first fractionated biomass. Compressive forces are used to separate a second liquid fraction from a second fractionated biomass. The second fractioned biomass is then subjected to compressive forces to provide lignin in water soluble form.

A solid polymer blend material comprising: (i) a lignin-acrylonitrile component containing a homogeneous blend of a lignin component and an acrylonitrile-containing rubber component; and (ii) a styrene-containing thermoplastic component that is non-elastomeric; wherein components (i) and (ii) are homogeneously dispersed in the polymer blend material. Methods for producing the blend material are also described. Methods for producing objects made of the blend material by melt extrusion are also described, comprising: (a) melt blending components (i) and (ii) to form a polymer blend in which components (i) and (ii) are homogeneously blended, wherein the polymer blend exhibits a melt viscosity of no more than 2000 Pa.Math.s at a shear rate of 100-1000 s.sup.−1 and when heated to a temperature of no more than 240° C.; and (b) forming an object made of said polymer blend material.