Lignin Binder Composition for High-Pressure Laminates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lignin-based resins are not suitable for high-pressure laminates, limiting their application and phenol replacement potential in adhesive compositions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving dissolving lignin in an aqueous composition with phenols and alkali at controlled temperatures and pH levels, followed by heating and mixing with a crosslinking agent, to produce a binder composition suitable for various applications, including high-pressure laminates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If lignin-based resins are used to replace phenol in adhesive compositions, then environmental friendliness is improved, but the suitability for high-pressure laminate applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidsuitability for high-pressure laminate applications
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling pH levels (maintaining pH 6-14 during heating) and temperature ranges (heating above step a) but not exceeding 100°C) to transform lignin into a form suitable for high-pressure laminate applications. This resolves the contradiction by modifying lignin's chemical properties through controlled parameter changes, enabling both environmental benefits and application suitability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite binder composition containing lignin, phenolic compounds, and crosslinking agents. This composite approach allows the material to combine the environmental advantages of lignin with the performance characteristics needed for high-pressure laminates, resolving the contradiction between eco-friendliness and application suitability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If phenol replacement in resin compositions is increased, then environmental friendliness is improved, but the reactivity and performance of the binder composition deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental friendlinessVSAvoidreactivity of binder composition
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces phenolic compounds and crosslinking agents as intermediaries that bridge lignin's natural properties with the required reactivity for high-performance applications. These intermediaries enable increased phenol replacement while maintaining binder reactivity and performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent maintains specific pH parameters (pH 6-14) during the heating process to preserve lignin's reactivity while enabling higher phenol replacement. This parameter control ensures that environmental benefits are achieved without sacrificing binder composition performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If traditional lignin treatment methods are used, then process simplicity is maintained, but the phenol replacement potential and application range deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidphenol replacement potential and application range
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends traditional lignin treatment by adding controlled pH maintenance and specific temperature constraints to the process. These parameter changes enable higher phenol replacement (up to 80% or more) and expand application range to include high-pressure laminates, while keeping the overall process relatively simple and industrially feasible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method enables the production of a bio-based binder composition with improved reactivity and reduced chemical consumption, suitable for high-pressure laminates and other applications, while maintaining a low pH and enhancing phenol replacement in resin compositions.

Implementation Method 1

dissolving lignin into an aqueous composition, which contains a compound selected from the class of phenols and alkali

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

heating the composition formed in step a) at a temperature, which is higher than the temperature of the composition in step a), with the proviso that the temperature of the composition does not exceed 100 °C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

while keeping the pH of the composition at a pH value of 6 - 14

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH control:

Implementation Method 4

mixing the composition formed in step b) with a crosslinking agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCrosslinking: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3783008B1A method for treating lignin and for producing a binder composition
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 UPM KYMMENE OYJ
  • EP3783008B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3783008B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for treating lignin, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) dissolving lignin into an aqueous composition, which contains a compound selected from the class of phenols and alkali, while keeping the temperature of the composition at 40 - 85 °C, wherein the alkali comprises a hydroxide of an alkali metal; and b) heating the composition at a temperature, which is higher than the temperature of the composition in step a), with the proviso that the temperature of the composition does not exceed 100 °C, while keeping the pH of the composition at a pH value of 6 - 14.