Use of lignin-based fillers for manufacturing polymer compositions

Abstract

The use of a lignin-based filler, whose color is represented by an L value of 25-50, an a value of 7-15, and a b value of 11-22, is disclosed for producing a polymer composition whose color is represented by an L value of up to 22, an a value of up to 7, and a b value of up to 9. Furthermore, the use of the produced polymer composition and the polymer composition itself are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the use of lignin-based fillers for producing polymer compositions. The present disclosure further relates to the use of the produced polymer compositions for packaging applications, automotive applications, construction applications, agricultural applications, and / or electronic device applications. The present disclosure further relates to the use of the produced polymer compositions for tires, tire treads, tire sidewalls, cable sheaths, hoses, drive belts, conveyor belts, roll covers, shoe soles, cushioning materials, seal rings, profiled materials, and / or damping elements. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to polymer compositions.

Background Art

[0002] Carbon black is commonly used as a pigment or filler in black plastics. The sustainability of the components of plastic production is important, and bio-based and renewable components in plastics are required. Therefore, the inventors have come to recognize a continuing need to find sustainable solutions for producing renewable black coloring fillers or pigments used in various applications to reduce emissions.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] The use of a lignin-based filler represented by an L value of 25 to 50, an a value of 7 to 15, and a b value of 11 to 22 for producing a polymer composition represented by an L value of at most 22, an a value of at most 7, and a b value of at most 9 is disclosed. The lignin-based filler is used in an amount of 0.5 to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the polymer composition. The lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment.

[0004] Furthermore, the use of the polymer compositions produced by the use defined herein for packaging applications, automotive applications, construction applications, agricultural applications, and / or electronic device applications is disclosed.

[0005] Furthermore, the use of manufactured polymer compositions for tires, tire treads, tire sidewalls, cable sheaths, hoses, drive belts, conveyor belts, roll covers, shoe soles, cushioning materials, sealing rings, profiles, and / or damping elements is disclosed.

[0006] Furthermore, a polymer composition is disclosed in which the color is represented by an L value of up to 22, an a value of up to 7, and a b value of up to 9, and this polymer composition can be obtained by combining a lignin-based filler, whose color is represented by an L value of 25 to 50, an a value of 7 to 15, and a b value of 11 to 22, with the polymer, and this polymer composition contains an amount of 0.5 to 50% by weight of the lignin-based filler based on the total weight of the polymer composition, and the lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Disclosed is the use of a lignin-based filler whose color is represented by an L value of 25 to 50, an a value of 7 to 15, and a b value of 11 to 22, for producing a polymer composition whose color is represented by an L value of up to 22, an a value of up to 7, and a b value of up to 9, wherein the lignin-based filler is used in an amount of 0.5 to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the polymer composition, and the lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin subjected to hydrothermal carbonization.

[0008] Furthermore, the use of polymer compositions produced by the uses specified herein for packaging, automotive, construction, agricultural, and / or electronic equipment applications is disclosed.

[0009] Furthermore, the use of manufactured polymer compositions for tires, tire treads, tire sidewalls, cable sheaths, hoses, drive belts, conveyor belts, roll covers, shoe soles, cushioning materials, sealing rings, profiles, and / or damping elements is disclosed.

[0010] Furthermore, a polymer composition is disclosed in which the color is represented by an L value of up to 22, an a value of up to 7, and a b value of up to 9, and this polymer composition can be obtained by combining a lignin-based filler, whose color is represented by an L value of 25 to 50, an a value of 7 to 15, and a b value of 11 to 22, with the polymer, and this polymer composition contains an amount of 0.5 to 50% by weight of the lignin-based filler based on the total weight of the polymer composition, and the lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment.

[0011] The polymer composition may contain a total amount of polymer of 99.5 to 40% by weight, or 99 to 45% by weight, or 95 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the polymer composition.

[0012] Therefore, the color of the lignin-based filler may range from brown to black. Surprisingly, the inventors have found that it is possible to use a lignin-based filler with a brownish hue to produce a black polymer composition.

[0013] The L, a, and b values ​​represent the color values ​​of the lignin-based filler or polymer composition, respectively. These values ​​may be determined according to DIN EN ISO / CIE 11664-1:2020-03. Measurements may be performed using any device that enables measurement in the CIELab color space. The use of this lignin-based filler may result in a black polymer composition. This polymer composition has the additional advantage of not requiring other colorants or pigments to achieve the desired color of the polymer composition.

[0014] The polymer composition may be a thermoplastic composition or an elastomer composition.

[0015] Thermoplastic compositions, in other words, thermosoftening plastic compositions, are plastic polymer materials that become flexible or moldable at certain high temperatures and solidify when cooled.

[0016] Elastomers, or rubbers that may be called interchangeable rubbers, are elastic materials that regain their original shape after being deformed. The terms rubber and elastomer are commonly used to refer to any material that possesses rubber-like properties. Elastomer is a shorthand for elastic polymer. Elastomers are viscoelastic, meaning they are sticky and highly elastic polymers (plastics).

[0017] In one embodiment, the lignin-based filler is used in an amount of 0.5 to 50% by weight, or 1 to 40% by weight, or 2 to 35% by weight, or 3 to 30% by weight, or 5 to 18% by weight, or 7 to 15% by weight, or 8 to 12% by weight, or about 10% by weight.

[0018] In one embodiment, the polymer composition is a thermoplastic composition, and the lignin-based filler is used in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight, or 1 to 8% by weight, or 2 to 7% by weight, or 3 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic composition. In one embodiment, the polymer composition is an elastomer composition, and the lignin-based filler is used in an amount of 10 to 50% by weight, or 12 to 40% by weight, or 15 to 35% by weight, or 18 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the elastomer composition.

[0019] In this specification, "total weight" should be understood as the weight of all components of the polymer composition, including any possible moisture, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0020] The color of lignin-based fillers may be expressed by an L value of 25-50, or 27-45, or 30-40, or 34-38. The color of lignin-based fillers may be expressed by an a value of 7-15, or 7.5-13, or 8-11, or 8.5-10. The color of lignin-based fillers may be expressed by a b value of 11-22, or 13-20, or 15-18, or 15.5-16.5.

[0021] The color of the lignin-based filler may be represented by an L value of 25 to 50, or 27 to 45, or 30 to 40, or 34 to 38, an a value of 7 to 15, or 7.5 to 13, or 8 to 11, or 8.5 to 10, and a b value of 11 to 22, or 13 to 20, or 15 to 18, or 15.5 to 16.5.

[0022] The color of the polymer composition may be represented by an L value of at most 20, or at most 18, or at most 15, or at most 10. The color of the polymer composition may be represented by an a value of at most 6.7, or at most 6.5, or at most 6. The color of the polymer composition may be represented by a b value of at most 8.7, or at most 8.5, or at most 8.

[0023] The color of the polymer composition may be represented by an L value of at most 22, or at most 20, or at most 18, or at most 15, or at most 10, an a value of at most 7, or at most 6.7, or at most 6.5, or at most 6, and a b value of at most 9, or at most 8.7, or at most 8.5, or at most 8.

[0024] The color of the polymer composition may be represented by an L value of at least 0. The color of the polymer composition may be represented by an a value of at least -50, or at least -30, or at least -10. The color of the polymer composition may be represented by a b value of at least -50, or at least -30, or at least -10.

[0025] The color of the polymer composition may be represented by an L value of at least 0, an a value of at least -50, or at least -30, or at least -10, and a b value of at least -50, or at least -30, or at least -10.

[0026] The lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin that has been subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment (HTC). In one embodiment, the lignin-based filler comprises or consists of lignin that has been subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment.

[0027] Therefore, the filler used to prepare the polymer composition is a lignin-based filler prepared from lignin that has been subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment (HTC). The hydrothermal carbonization treatment of lignin refers to a thermochemical conversion process of lignin-containing materials in an aqueous suspension. The hydrothermal carbonization treatment of lignin produces lignin derivatives having a high carbon content and functional groups.

[0028] Lignin is a biopolymer and an important structural material in the supporting tissues of most living plants. It is a renewable material that can be used in several applications.

[0029] Lignin may be derived from any suitable source. Lignin may be derived from, for example, wood, such as hardwoods, softwoods, hardwood lumber, or combinations thereof, or any other biomass, such as sugarcane. Wood may be derived from, for example, pine, poplar, beech, aspen, spruce, eucalyptus, paulownia, or oak. Wood may be any combination or mixture of these.

[0030] In one embodiment, the lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin that is derived from an enzymatic hydrolysis process and / or a kraft process and subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment. In one embodiment, the lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin that is derived from an enzymatic hydrolysis process and subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment. In one embodiment, the lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin that is derived from a kraft process and subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment.

[0031] In one embodiment, the enzymatic hydrolysis process includes the enzymatic hydrolysis of plant-based feedstocks such as wood-based feedstocks. Prior to enzymatic hydrolysis, the wood-based feedstock may be treated in a pretreatment process that includes impregnation and hemihydrolysis prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. The pretreatment process may provide cellulose from the wood-based feedstock, which may then be hydrolyzed in the enzymatic hydrolysis process.

[0032] In one embodiment, the enzymatic hydrolysis process includes the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. In one embodiment, the lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin derived from wood pulping, such as kraft lignin.

[0033] Lignin-based fillers may be prepared as disclosed below. The lignin used may be derived, for example, from a process in which lignin is formed in the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose raw materials, or the lignin may be derived from a krafting process. Other lignin sources may also be used.

[0034] In one embodiment, the starting material for preparing a lignin-based filler is lignin obtained from an enzymatic hydrolysis process. Enzymatic hydrolysis is a process in which enzymes (multiple types may be used) assist in the cleavage of bonds in a molecule by the addition of the element water. In one embodiment, the enzymatic hydrolysis includes the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose. In one embodiment, the lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin derived from the enzymatic hydrolysis process and subjected to hydrothermal carbonization.

[0035] The inventors have surprisingly found that when lignin derived from, for example, an enzymatic hydrolysis process is used to manufacture lignin-based fillers, the ash content of the lignin-based filler can be reduced. A lower ash content has the additional benefit of, for example, higher purity of the lignin-based filler.

[0036] Lignin may be derived from second-generation biomass. Second-generation (2G) biomass may be interpreted as referring to non-food and non-food biomass. Conversely, the term second-generation biomass should be interpreted as first-generation biomass, which is edible biomass.

[0037] The derived lignin may be dissolved in an alkaline solution such as NaOH. Dissolution may be achieved by heating the mixture of lignin and the alkaline solution to about 80°C, adjusting the pH to a value greater than 7, such as 9-11, and mixing the mixture of lignin and the alkaline solution for a predetermined time. The mixing time may be continued for about 2-3 hours. The exact pH value is determined based on the product grade target.

[0038] The dissolved lignin may then be subjected to hydrothermal carbonization (HTC).

[0039] The hydrothermal carbonization treatment may be carried out in a batch-operated reactor (HTC reactor), or in several parallel reactors if necessary. The dissolved lignin may be added to the HTC reactor after preheating. The temperature in the HTC reactor may be 150-250°C and the pressure may be 20-30 bar. The residence time in the HTC reactor may be about 3-6 hours. In the HTC reactor, the lignin is carbonized, thereby precipitating a stabilized lignin derivative with a high specific surface area. The formed slurry containing the carbonized lignin may then be removed and cooled.

[0040] This results in the formation of a slurry containing a lignin-based packing agent.

[0041] The slurry containing the lignin-based packing material may be supplied to a separation unit, in which the precipitated lignin may be separated from the slurry. The separated lignin-based packing material may be dried and recovered. Before drying, the lignin-based packing material may be washed as needed. The recovered lignin-based packing material may be further processed before being used as a lignin-based packing material, for example, by crushing, further drying, or grinding. The lignin-based packing material thus formed is a renewable bio-based packing material.

[0042] During the process described above, the lignin polymers are linked together. Therefore, a lignin-based packing material may be considered to contain, or consist of, lignin polymers that are linked together. The linked or connected lignin polymers may no longer be soluble. However, smaller lignin polymer chains remain soluble and can therefore be subjected to standard analytical techniques such as size exclusion chromatography or nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR spectroscopy), which require the analyte to be dissolved in a solvent. Thus, different properties of the soluble fraction of the lignin-based packing material may be determined.

[0043] In one embodiment, the lignin-based filler contains a total amount of ash of 0.1 to 3% by weight, or 0.1 to 2.5% by weight, or 0.2 to 2.0% by weight, or 0.3 to 1.5% by weight, or 0.4 to 1.0% by weight. The ash content can be determined according to standard DIN 51719.

[0044] The inventors have surprisingly found that when lignin derived from, for example, an enzymatic hydrolysis process is used to manufacture lignin-based fillers, the ash content of the lignin-based filler can be reduced. A lower ash content has the additional benefit of, for example, higher purity of the lignin-based filler.

[0045] The lignin-based filler may contain a total amount of carbon of 62-70% by weight, 63-69% by weight, or 64-68% by weight. The amount of carbon in the lignin-based filler may be determined according to standard DIN 51732 (1997).

[0046] In one embodiment, the solubility of the lignin-based packing material in 0.1 M NaOH is 1–40% by weight, or 3–35% by weight, or 5–30% by weight. Solubility may be measured as follows: First, the sample is dried at a temperature of 60°C for 4 hours. A mass of 0.5 grams of the sample is weighed and suspended in 50 ml of 0.1 M NaOH at a concentration of 1% at a temperature of 22°C. Mixing is continued for 1 hour, after which the sample is placed on glass microfiber paper (1.6 μm), and the filter paper containing the sample is dried at a temperature of 60°C for 2 hours. The portion of the dissolved sample can be determined by gravimetric measurement.

[0047] In one embodiment, the lignin-based packing material has a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 1000-4000 Da, or 1300-3700 Da, or 1700-3200 Da, or 2500-3000 Da, or 2600-2900 Da, or 2650-2850 Da, depending on the soluble fraction of the lignin-based packing material. The weight-average molecular weight may be determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) using 0.1 M NaOH as the eluent and a sample volume of approximately 1 mg / ml dissolved in 0.1 M NaOH. The molecular weight is measured against a polystyrene sulfonate standard. A UV detector with a wavelength of 280 nm is used.

[0048] The polydispersity index (PDI) of the lignin-based packing material may be 1.5–5.0, or 1.8–4.5, or 1.9–4.3, or 2.1–4.0, or 2.4–3.5, or 2.6–3.2, depending on the soluble fraction of the lignin-based packing material. The polydispersity index may also be determined by size exclusion chromatography (SEC). PDI is a measure of the distribution of molecular mass in a given polymer sample. PDI is calculated by dividing the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) by the number-average molecular weight (Mn). PDI indicates the distribution of individual molecular masses in a batch of polymer.

[0049] This lignin-based filler is suitable for 3 to 150 m 2 / g, or 5-100m 2 / g, or 7-60m2 It may have an STSA number of / g. The STSA number may be determined according to the standard ASTM D6556.

[0050] In one embodiment, the lignin-based filler is present in a maximum of 1.5 g / cm³. 3 It has a density of . In one embodiment, the lignin-based filler is 1.0 to 1.5 g / cm³ 3 , or 1.15~1.35 g / cm³ 3 , or 1.1~1.4 g / cm³ 3 It has a density of . The density may be determined according to the standard ISO 21687.

[0051] In one embodiment, the polymer composition is a thermoplastic composition comprising at least one polymer selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyamide, polyacrylate, polyester, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polylactic acid (PLA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In one embodiment, this thermoplastic composition comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, and / or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. That is, one polymer may be used to produce the thermoplastic composition, or a combination of two or more different polymers may be used.

[0052] In one embodiment, the polymer composition is an elastomer composition comprising at least one polymer selected from ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), butadiene rubber (BR), chloroprene rubber (CR), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), butyl rubber (IIR), isoprene rubber (IR), α-methylstyrene-butadiene rubber (MSBR), natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), bromobutyl rubber (BIIR), and chlorobutyl rubber (CIIR). That is, one polymer may be used to produce the elastomer composition, or a combination of two or more different polymers may be used.

[0053] The polymers used in the polymer composition may be derived from fossil resources. At least one polymer may be derived from biological resources. At least one polymer may be derived from either fossil resources or biological resources. All of the polymers used in the polymer composition may be derived from either fossil sources or biological sources. Alternatively, polymers derived from both fossil sources and biological sources may be used in the polymer composition. Furthermore, a mixture of both fossil-derived polymers and biological-derived polymers may be used in the polymer composition.

[0054] The polymer composition may be prepared by using at least one polymer and a lignin-based filler. Further components or materials, such as plasticizers, additives, lubricants, stabilizers, antioxidants, curing agents, blowing agents, etc., may also be used to prepare the polymer composition. In one embodiment, combining at least one polymer and a filler also includes combining one or more plasticizers, additives, lubricants, stabilizers, antioxidants, curing agents, and / or blowing agents to form the polymer composition.

[0055] When preparing the polymer composition, a so-called masterbatch may first be prepared using at least one polymer and a filler. The masterbatch may also be prepared by mixing the polymer and filler at a high temperature. Optionally, other plasticizers, additives, lubricants, stabilizers, antioxidants, curing agents, foaming agents, etc., may also be included in the masterbatch. The masterbatch is generally considered to be a solid product (usually a plastic, rubber, or elastomer) in which the pigment or filler is optimally dispersed at a high concentration in a carrier material. The carrier material is compatible with the main polymer into which the masterbatch is blended during molding, thereby allowing the final plastic product, i.e., the polymer composition, to acquire color or properties from the masterbatch.

[0056] Alternatively, the polymer composition may be compounded directly from the polymer and filler at high temperatures. If necessary, other additives, lubricants, stabilizers, antioxidants, curing agents, blowing agents, etc., may also be compounded directly with the polymer and filler.

[0057] The temperature used when combining at least one polymer with a filler may vary depending on the type of polymer used. Appropriate temperatures for each polymer are readily available to those skilled in the art. Polymer suppliers also specify processing temperatures suitable for different polymers. Generally, temperatures such as 20–350°C, 40–330°C, 70–300°C, 120–280°C, or 150–250°C may be used.

[0058] The polymer composition may be further cured at a high temperature in a subsequent step after mixing at least one polymer with a filler.

[0059] The polymer composition may be unexpanded or expanded. When the polymer composition is expanded, it may be considered to have the form of a foam. The expanded polymer composition may be formed by introducing pockets of air or gas (e.g., CO2) into the polymer composition during preparation. For example, a blowing agent may be used to expand the polymer composition to make it foam. Polymer foaming is a process in which gas-filled cells, bubbles, are introduced into the material structure. Foaming can reduce the density of the material because less material is consumed. In addition, the density of the foam can be controlled, and a wide range of densities can be produced based on product requirements. This results in reductions in weight and material costs. The expanded polymer composition may also be known as, or referred to as, a foamed polymer composition or polymer foam.

[0060] The polymer composition may further be molded into articles by extrusion, injection molding, compression molding, blow molding, injection blow molding, injection stretch blow molding, thermoforming, vacuum forming, melt spinning, electrospinning, melt blowing, film blowing, film casting, extrusion coating, rotational molding, co-extrusion, lamination, calendering, fused deposition modeling, or any combination thereof.

[0061] The total organic carbon content of the manufactured polymer composition may be 90-100%, 93-99%, or 96-98%, as determined in accordance with DIN EN 15936:2012-11. The term "total organic carbon (TOC)" may be interpreted as the amount of carbon found in an organic compound, or in this case, in a polymer composition.

[0062] The manufactured polymer composition may contain a total amount of ash of 0.1–7.5%, or 0.3–7.0%, or 0.5–6%, or 1.0–5.0%, or 1.5–3.0%, as determined in accordance with DIN 51719:1997-07.

[0063] The amount of renewable material in the manufactured polymer composition may be 5-100%, 10-95%, 15-90%, or 20-85%.

[0064] In one embodiment, the polymer composition does not contain any additional colorants other than the lignin-based filler.

[0065] The use of lignin-based fillers as defined herein has the additional benefit of providing a black polymer composition without the need for other colorants. The use of these lignin-based fillers has the additional benefit of being biomaterials, and therefore their use enables the production of polymer compositions with reduced fossil components. The use of lignin-based fillers has the additional benefit of increasing the total biogenic carbon content of the polymer composition. Biogenic carbon is carbon stored in biomaterials such as plants or soil. Carbon is accumulated in plants through the process of photosynthesis, and therefore, bioproducts may contribute to lowering the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. [Examples]

[0066] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be referenced in detail.

[0067] The following description discloses several embodiments in enough detail that a person skilled in the art can utilize the above method based on this disclosure. Not all steps of the embodiments are discussed in detail, as many of them will be obvious to a person skilled in the art based on this disclosure.

[0068] Example 1 - Production of a polymer composition using a lignin-based filler In this example, different polymer compositions were prepared. The objective was to evaluate the performance and color when using different amounts of renewable lignin-based filler (LBF) to produce the polymer compositions. Comparative examples were prepared without using lignin-based filler in the polymer compositions.

[0069] The lignin-based filler was prepared in accordance with the description provided above by using lignin material obtained from the enzymatic hydrolysis process of beech wood-based raw materials subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment.

[0070] Both thermoplastic and elastomer compositions were manufactured and tested.

[0071] Thermoplastic compositions were prepared by combining lignin-based fillers and thermoplastic polymers with components such as calcium stearate (lubricant), Irganox 1010 antioxidant, and polyethylene wax (lubricant). First, a masterbatch was formed with 40% by weight of lignin-based filler, 52% by weight of polymer, and a total of 8% by weight of additive packages (consisting of 2% calcium stearate (lubricant), 2% Irganox 1010 antioxidant, and 4% polyethylene wax (lubricant)). This was then further blended with additional polymers to form lignin-based filler content of 1% by weight, 3% by weight, or 5% by weight.

[0072] The masterbatch was formed into granules and prepared as follows.

[0073] The sample was compounded using a Leistritz ZSE 27 MAXX, a high-speed co-rotating twin-screw extruder with a 27 mm screw diameter and a 48 L / D ratio. This twin-screw extruder could include air and vacuum degassing ports, a side feeder for the filler, and a melt pump and gas injection unit for foaming. The apparatus was equipped with a Gala PLU underwater pelletizing system for pelletizing the extruded material into granules.

[0074] Next, the masterbatch granules were blended with polymer granules (without adding any further additives) to prepare flat plaques, which were then tested. The flat plaques were prepared by injection molding the samples on an ARBURG 420 M allrounder 1000-350. This machine was equipped with a rapid-change mold for ISO-certified test specimens.

[0075] For the pure polymer comparative example, flat plates were formed directly from polymer granules.

[0076] The elastomer composition was prepared as follows: In the first mixing step, a lignin-based filler (115 phr), polymer (EPDM, Keltan 4465, 150 phr), process oil (Tudaen 1924, 25 phr), polyethylene glycol (PEG4000, 2 phr), stearic acid (2 phr), and zinc oxide (5 phr) were mixed for 6.25 minutes using an experimental kneader (ERMAFA interlocking closed kneader TMI0.6) to form a basic mixture. In the second mixing step, accelerators (MBT 1 phr, ZDTP 2 phr, TBzTD 1.05 phr) and sulfur (1.5 phr) were added to the basic mixture, and all were mixed for a total of 4 minutes. Next, this mixture was sheeted and cured at a temperature of 170°C for 13 minutes using a MonTech Werkstoffpruefmaschinen GmbH LP3000 600kN hydraulic press.

[0077] The colors of the lignin-based fillers and the prepared polymer compositions were measured according to the standard DIN EN ISO / CIE 11664-1:2020-03. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0078] [Table 1]

[0079] From the results above, it can be seen that a black polymer composition can be produced when using a lignin-based filler with a brownish hue.

[0080] Those skilled in the art will see that, with advances in the technology, the basic idea may be implemented in a variety of ways. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the examples given above, and instead, the embodiments may vary within the scope of the claims.

[0081] The embodiments described herein may be used in any combination with each other. Some of the embodiments may be combined together to form further embodiments. The uses and polymer compositions disclosed herein may include at least one of the embodiments described herein. It will be understood that the above benefits and advantages may relate to one embodiment or to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to solving any or all of the described problems or having any or all of the described benefits and advantages. It will be further understood that a reference to an item “a” refers to one or more of these items. The term “comprising” is used herein to mean including a feature or action that follows the phrase (prior to “comprising”) without prejudice to the existence of one or more additional features or actions.

Claims

1. Use of a lignin-based filler whose color is represented by an L value of 25 to 50, an a value of 7 to 15, and a b value of 11 to 22, for producing a polymer composition whose color is represented by an L value of up to 22, an a value of up to 7, and a b value of up to 9, wherein the lignin-based filler is used in an amount of 0.5 to 50% by weight based on the total weight of the polymer composition, and the lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin subjected to hydrothermal carbonization.

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein the polymer composition is a thermoplastic composition or an elastomer composition.

3. The use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymer composition is a thermoplastic composition, and the lignin-based filler is used in an amount of 0.5 to 10% by weight, or 1 to 8% by weight, or 2 to 7% by weight, or 3 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the thermoplastic composition.

4. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the polymer composition is an elastomer composition, and the lignin-based filler is used in an amount of 10 to 50% by weight, or 12 to 40% by weight, or 15 to 35% by weight, or 18 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the elastomer composition.

5. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the color of the lignin-based filler is represented by an L value of 27 to 45, 30 to 40, or 34 to 38.

6. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the color of the lignin-based filler is represented by an a value of 7.5 to 13, or 8 to 11, or 8.5 to 10.

7. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the color of the lignin-based filler is represented by a b value of 13 to 20, or 15 to 18, or 15.5 to 16.

5.

8. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the color of the polymer composition is represented by an L value of up to 20, or up to 18, or up to 15, or up to 10.

9. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the color of the polymer composition is represented by an a value of up to 6.7, or up to 6.5, or up to 6.

10. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the color of the polymer composition is represented by a b value of up to 8.7, or up to 8.5, or up to 8.

11. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment.

12. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the polymer composition is a thermoplastic composition comprising at least one polymer selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyamide, polyacrylate, polyester, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polylactic acid (PLA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

13. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the polymer composition is an elastomer composition comprising at least one polymer selected from ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), butadiene rubber (BR), chloroprene rubber (CR), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECO), epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), butyl rubber (IIR), isoprene rubber (IR), α-methylstyrene-butadiene rubber (MSBR), natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), bromobutyl rubber (BIIR), and bichlorobutyl rubber (CIIR).

14. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the polymer used in the polymer composition is derived from fossil resources.

15. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one polymer is derived from a biological resource.

16. Use of a polymer composition produced by any one of claims 1 to 15 for packaging, automotive, construction, agricultural, and / or electronic equipment applications.

17. Use of a polymer composition produced by any one of claims 1 to 15 for tires, tire treads, tire sidewalls, cable sheaths, hoses, drive belts, conveyor belts, roll covers, shoe soles, cushioning materials, sealing rings, profiled materials, and / or damping elements.

18. A polymer composition whose color is represented by an L value of up to 22, an a value of up to 7, and a b value of up to 9, wherein the polymer composition can be obtained by combining a lignin-based filler whose color is represented by an L value of 25 to 50, an a value of 7 to 15, and a b value of 11 to 22 with the polymer, wherein the polymer composition contains an amount of 0.5 to 50% by weight of the lignin-based filler based on the total weight of the polymer composition, and the lignin-based filler is prepared from lignin subjected to hydrothermal carbonization treatment.

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