The present invention relates to a method for preparing an activated lignin composition. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for further processing the thus activated lignin composition in a method for preparing a lignin-phenol formaldehyde resin. Such a lignin-phenol formaldehyde resin can be used in the manufacturing of laminates by replacing the traditional synthetic phenol formaldehyde resin.

Radiation-curable, polyester acrylate-containing compositions (I) obtainable by reacting 0.5 to 20 mol % of a polyester polyol (A) and 0.5 to 30 mol % of a polyester diol (B) with 1 to 10 mol % of phthalic anhydride (C) and 65 to 75 mol % of (meth)acrylic acid (D) in the presence of an acidic esterification catalyst, a hydrocarbon (L), and a polymerization inhibitor. Reaction temperatures range from 60 to 140 C. The hydrocarbon (L) functions as solvent, forms an azeotropic mixture with water, and is removed distillatively after esterification. Water formed in the reaction is removed azeotropically. After neutralization of the esterification catalyst, free (meth)acrylic acid is reacted with an epoxide compound (E) in an amount equivalent to the acid number of the reaction mixture. The compound (E) has at least two epoxide groups per molecule. The compositions are suitable for coating the surfaces of solid substrates.

Methods of making self-expended lignofoams are provided. In embodiments, such a method comprises exposing a self-expanding lignofoam composition comprising raw lignin and a thermoplastic polymer to an elevated temperature for a period of time to soften the composition, desorb water from the raw lignin or induce at least some hydroxyl groups of the raw lignin to undergo dehydration reactions to generate water or both, vaporize the water, and generate pores throughout the softened composition. The method further comprises cooling the porous, softened composition to room temperature to provide the self-expanded lignofoam. The self-expanding lignofoam composition is free of an added plasticizer, an added lubricant, an added foaming agent, and an added blowing agent, and the thermoplastic polymer is not a starch, not a polyurethane, and not a polysiloxane. The resulting self-expanded lignofoams are also provided.

This invention relates to a method for extracting valorized compounds from lignin by contacting lignins with an ionic liquid and/or a deep eutectic solvent and adding a catalyst and/or a biocatalyst to assist in breaking down the source material. Converting lignin into high value chemicals adds revenues for a bio-refinery and helps to improve the economic viability of biofuel production.

Lignin gel-based electrolyte is disclosed. The lignin gel-based electrolyte includes a lignin polymer network containing lignin molecules and a crosslinking agent to crosslink the lignin molecules; and liquid electrolyte contained within the lignin polymer network. The lignin gel-based electrolyte may have high ionic conductivity and maintain excellent mechanical stability.

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 present relates to a process for the depolymerization of lignin using chemicals recoverable by the soda or kraft mill recovery cycles. The process involves the use of sodium hydroxide or white liquor to depolymerize lignin in black liquor or other lignins (e.g. hydrolysis lignin, kraft lignin) by conducting the reaction at 170-250 C. for up to 3 hours in the presence or absence of a co-solvent and a capping agent. The depolymerized lignin is then obtained by acidifying the reaction products to a low pH to precipitate the de-polymerized lignin, followed by particle coagulation, cake filtration and washing with acid and water to obtain a purified depolymerized lignin product.

Lignin pellets comprising fused lignin are described herein. The lignin pellets may further comprise a processing aid, and/or a surfactant, and/or a chemical modifying agent, and/or a compatibilizer and/or a thermoplastic polymer. An extrusion process for producing the lignin pellets and their use in the manufacture of lignin thermoplastic blend products, polyols, polyphenols, polyaromatics and polyurethanes is also disclosed herein. The extruded lignin pellet may be dry-blended with additional thermoplastic and/or additive and then directly processed using processes such as injection molding, compression molding, extrusion, extrusion coating, blowing, thermoforming, stamping, foaming, fiber drawing, calendering or rolling.

A privacy apparatus includes one or more substantially cork panels. Each panel can be configured to provide visual and/or sound privacy for a certain work space. The panel can be supported on a floor via one or more base elements and/or may be reinforced in rigidity and/or strength via one or more supports. Some embodiments of the apparatus can include a first panel and a second panel attached together via one or more supports press fit within openings defined in rear faces of the panels.

A method of forming panels. The method comprises mixing a composition comprising curable resin, microspheres and at least one additive in the presence of a catalyst. The method further comprises transferring the composition to a cuboid shaped mold and allowing the composition to cure in the cuboid shaped mold to form a cuboid shaped body of syntactic foam material. The method further comprises demolding the cuboid shaped body of syntactic foam material and cutting panels from the cuboid shaped body of syntactic foam material. The method further comprises drying the panels.