Derivatives of native lignin, lignin-wax compositions, their preparation and uses thereof

Abstract

A wax composition comprising a lignin derivative wherein the derivative has a total hydroxyl content of from about 0.1 mmol/g to about 7 mmol/g.

1 . A derivative of native lignin wherein said lignin derivative has a total hydroxyl content of from about 0.1 mmol/g to about 7 mmol/g. 
     
     
         2 . A lignin derivative according to  claim 1  wherein the derivative has a total hydroxyl content of from about 3.5 mmol/g to about 6.8 mmol/g. 
     
     
         3 . A lignin derivative according to  claim 1  wherein the derivative has a total hydroxyl content of from about 4.5 mmol/g to about 6.5 mmol/g 
     
     
         4 . A lignin derivative according to  claim 1  wherein the derivative comprises alkoxy groups. 
     
     
         5 . A lignin derivative according to  claim 1  wherein the biomass from which the lignin is derived comprises hardwood biomass. 
     
     
         6 . A lignin derivative according to  claim 1  wherein the biomass from which the lignin is derived comprises softwood biomass. 
     
     
         7 . A lignin derivative according to  claim 1  wherein the biomass from which the lignin is derived comprises annual fibre biomass. 
     
     
         8 . A lignin derivative according to  claim 1  wherein the biomass from which the lignin is derived comprises  Populus  spp,  Eucalyptus  spp.,  Acacia  spp., or combinations/hybrids thereof. 
     
     
         9 . A lignin derivative according to  claim 1  wherein the biomass from which the lignin is derived comprises pine; spruce; or combinations/hybrids thereof 
     
     
         10 . A lignin derivative according to  claim 1  wherein the biomass from which the lignin is derived comprises wheat straw, bagasse, corn cobs, or combinations/hybrids thereof. 
     
     
         11 . A wax composition comprising a lignin derivative according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . A composition according to  claim 11  wherein the composition is an emulsion. 
     
     
         13 . A composition according to  claim 11  comprising, on the basis of the solid content, from about 1% to about 50%, by weight, of lignin derivative. 
     
     
         14 . A slack wax composition comprising a lignin derivative according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         15 . A method for preparing a lignin-modified wax emulsion, the method comprising:
 a. preparing an aqueous solution comprising one of a surface tension reducing agent and an interfacial tension reducing agent;   b. commingling with the aqueous solution a selected amount of a base;   c. commingling with the aqueous solution containing therein said base, a selected amount of a lignin derivative according to  claim 1 ;   d. separating the aqueous solution into a filtrate and a retentate wherein the mixture of lignin derivatives is commingled with said filtrate; and   e. commingling a selected volume of the filtrate with a selected volume of a wax emulsion.   
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15 , where the one of a surface tension reducing agent and an interfacial tension reducing agent is selected from a group consisting of lignosulphonates, isogenic lignin derivatives, ionogenic detergents exemplified by sodium dodecyl sulfate and the like, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         17 . A lignin-modified wax emulsion produced according to the method of  claim 15   
     
     
         18 . A wax emulsion comprising water, an emulsified wax, one of a surface tension reducing agent and an interfacial tension reducing agent, a base, and a lignin derivative according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         19 . A composite wood product comprising a lignin-modified wax composition according to  claim 11 . 
     
     
         20 . A method of producing a composite wood product, said method comprising:
 a. Obtaining a cellulosic fibre material;   b. Obtaining an adhesive suitable for adhering the fibres of said material;   c. Mixing said cellulosic material with said adhesive, forming the mixture into a suitable shape and curing; and   d. Applying a wax composition according to  claim 11  to the cured article.