Use of lignins in thermoplastics
AssigneeDaramic, LLC
InventorsJaime Navarrete, A. Jeff Chapman, Chetan J. Parikh, Roy T. Toomey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The instant invention is directed to the use of lignin in thermoplastics (such as: ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)). In the first aspect of the invention, lignins are added to a lead acid battery separator comprising a microporous membrane including an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, a filler, and a processing oil. In the second aspect of the invention, lignins are used as a processing aid in thermoplastics.
Claims18
A battery separator for lead acid batteries comprising:
- a microporous membrane including
- an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene,
- a filler,
- a processing oil, and
- a hardwood lignin source.
A battery separator for a lead acid battery comprises:
- a microporous membrane having an open cell structure with pores sizes in the range of about 0.1 to about 1 micron and porosity greater than 10%, and further comprising
- about 15-25% by weight of said separator being an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene;
- about 50-80% by weight of said separator being a filler;
- less than about 25% by weight of the separator being a processing oil;
- about 5-20% by weight of the separator being a hardwood lignin source.
A thermoplastic polymer formulation comprising:
- up to about 80% by weight of the formulation being an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene;
- up to about 20% by weight of the formulation being a processing oil, and
- up to about 10% by weight of the formulation being a hardwood lignin source.
A method for improving the flow processing of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene comprising the step of:
- adding a hardwood lignin source to a ultra high molecular weight polyethylene prior to the processing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.