Starch Foams Using Specialized Lignin
AssigneeSweetwater Energy, Inc.
InventorsChangfeng GE, Robert Aldi, Baxter Lansing, Scott Tudman
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Abstract
This application provides a method of using a highly clarified and clean lignin, derived from a specific biorefinery process to make a starch foam and products of the same. The lignin can be used as a low cost filler substitute for starch and other substrates that are currently employed in foam applications. The lignin has the right mechanical, physical, thermoplastic and barrier properties to enable easy handling and to impart improved properties such as UV resistance, water resistance and other physical parameters to starch foams.
Claims31
An expanded matrix, comprising a mixture of starch comprising amylose and amylopectin, and clean lignin, the lignin being present in a % weight ratio of from about 1:99 to about 50:50 of the starch, the expanded matrix having a uniform distribution of cells throughout.
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A method of forming a product, comprising:
- mixing about 1-50% by weight clean lignin and starch in an aqueous medium;
- and extruding the lignin-starch mixture under heat and pressure to form an expanded foam.
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A method of producing a water-resistant starch-lignin foam, the method comprising:
- (a) combining starch, glycerol, water, and a lignin composition to form a mixture;
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- (b) subjecting the mixture to an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure to form the water-resistant starch-lignin foam.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.