Composition Comprising Esters Of Lignin And Organic Solvent

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising an organic solvent and lignin or lignin derivatives; wherein at least one of the hydroxyl groups of the lignin or lignin derivatives have been substituted with ester groups forming esterified lignin or lignin derivatives. The composition may be used for preparing fuels.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a composition with a high lignin content in a solvent such as an organic solvent where the lignin has been functionalized with ester groups and a method of preparing said composition where the esterification step may be performed in the solvent. The composition may be used to produce fuels.BACKGROUND[0002]There is an increasing interest in using biomass as a source for fuel production.[0003]Biomass includes, but is not limited to, plant parts, fruits, vegetables, processing waste, wood chips, chaff, grain, grasses, com, com husks, weeds, aquatic plants, hay, paper, paper products, recycled paper and paper products, lignocellulosic material, lignin and any cellulose containing biological material or material of biological origin.[0004]An important component of biomass is the lignin present in the solid portions of the biomass. Lignin comprises chains of aromatic and oxygenate constituents forming larger molecules that are n...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a composition that can dissolve more lignin in organic solvents and has improved solubility. The amount of lignin or lignin derivatives in the composition can be 1% or higher, based on the total weight of the composition. The lignin or lignin derivatives can be dearomatized to at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90%, or at least 95%. The composition can also contain additives that enhance the dissolution of the lignin or lignin derivatives. The biomass or lignin can be treated with a process described in WO2012 / 121659, which involves reduction of the substrate with a catalyst and a hydrogen donor. The reduced lignin and lignin derivatives can then be used in the composition. The composition can also contain lignin or lignin derivatives obtained through precipitation and separation, or through chemical reduction. The technical effects of the invention include improved solubility and dissolution of lignin in organic solvents.

Problems solved by technology

A major reason for difficulty in treating the lignin is the inability to disperse the lignin for contact with catalysts that can break the lignin down.

However the biofuel industries are struggling with issues like food vs fuel debate, efficiency and the general supply of raw material.

One drawback of using lignin as a source for fuel production is the issue of providing lignin or lignin derivatives in a form suitable for hydrotreaters or crackers.

The problem is that lignin is not soluble in oils or fatty acids which is highly wanted.

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