Multi-part lignin-based resin system for decorative laminates

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 12122882
  • Patent Number
    12,122,882
  • Date Filed
    Wednesday, November 10, 2021
    3 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, October 22, 2024
    2 months ago
Abstract
A method for making a multi-part resin system includes forming a lignin-formaldehyde resin, forming a phenol-formaldehyde resin, and mixing the lignin-formaldehyde resin and the phenol-formaldehyde to form the multi-part resin system.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention

The current invention is related to the production of decorative high pressure laminates built up with a mixture of lignin-formaldehyde resin and phenol-formaldehyde resin, in particular, a resol type phenol-formaldehyde resin. In particular, the invention describes the use, for the treating of kraft paper type which composes the core of the decorative laminates, of a lignin which has been crafted by formaldehyde to create methylol chemical functions leading to a thermosetting resin. This lignin is a phenolic resin type and gives the final product the same properties as a classical resol type phenolic resin.


2. Description of the Related Art

High pressure laminates are made of layers of paper treated with thermosetting resins and polymerized with a process combining pressure and temperature as described below. The process of forming high pressure laminates is defined as the simultaneous application of pressure and temperature to allow the flow of the impregnated resins and then the polycondensation of the thermosetting resins leading to a homogeneous and non-porous material whose specific gravity has increased (≥1.35 g/cm3). The top layer(s) that compose(s) the decorative surface has (have) various colors and patterns, and is (are) treated with current melamine resins and/or other kinds of resins (polyurethanes acrylates for example).


The inner layers, also named core layers, are composed of paper treated with phenolic resins, amino plastics resins, or even mixes of phenolic and amino plastics resins. These resins often contain additives that lead to either lower cost resins or special properties, fire rated for example.


For a long time, studies have been conducted on introducing lignin into phenolic resins. R J Seidl, H K Burr, C N Ferguson, G E Mackin (1944), “Properties of laminated plastics made from lignin and lignin-phenolic resin-impregnated papers,” Report n° 1595 of States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin; Frank J Ball, Joseph B Doughty, William G Vardell (1965), “Composition containing resole and lignin in free acid form and process for preparing same,” U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,654 May 25, 1965; David Webster (1965), “Free lignin solutions and method of making and using same,” U.S. Pat. No. 3,216,839 Nov. 9, 1965; Leopold F. Bornstein (1978), “Lignin-based composition board binder comprising a copolymer of a lignosulfonate, melamine and an aldehyde,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,130,515, Dec. 19, 1978. For 20 to 30 years, efforts have doubled and numerous laboratories and/or industries have invested in the valorization and/or the use of this raw material in chemical applications. Clarke at al. (1978), “Methylolated kraft lignin polymer resin,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,113,675 Sep. 12, 1978; J.-S. M. Kazayawoko, B. Riedl, J. Poliquin (1992), “A Lignin-Phenol-Formaldehyde Binder for Particleboard,” International Journal of the Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Technology of Wood, Volume 46 (3), Jan. 1, 1992; Seidel et al. (1984), “Sulfur Containing Lignin Modified Alkaline Earth Treated Phenolic Impregnating Resins For Core Layers of Humidity Resistant Laminates,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,476,193 Oct. 9, 1984; N. S. Cetin, N. Özmen (2002), “Use of Organosolv lignin in phenol-formaldehyde resins for particleboard production I. organosolv lignin modified resins,” International Journal of Adhesion & Adhesives 22 (2002) 477-480; M. Raskin, L. O. Ioffe, A. Z. Pukis, M. H. Wolf (2002), “Resin Material and method of Producing same”, US Patent, 2002/0065400 A1, May 30, 2002; M. V. Alonso, M. Oliet, F. Rodriguez, G. Astarloa, J. M. Echeverria (2004), “Use of a Methylolated Softwood Ammonium Lignosulfonate As Partial Substitute of Phenol in Resol Resins Manufacture,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol. 94, 643-650 (2004). In 1965, Ball disclosed an adhesive for the manufacture of plywood, fiber board, particle board, and similar products, containing the combination of phenol formaldehyde resin and a lignin derivative, such as lignosulfonates, or alkali lignins. Frank J Ball, Joseph B Doughty, William G Vardell (1965). “Composition containing resole and lignin in free acid form and process for preparing same”, U.S. Pat. No. 3,185,654 May 25, 1965.


This interest is related to the necessity for replacing current raw materials from the petrochemical industry with renewable materials.


SUMMARY

In one aspect a method for making a multi-part resin system includes forming a lignin-formaldehyde resin, forming a phenol-formaldehyde resin, and mixing the lignin-formaldehyde resin and the phenol-formaldehyde to form the multi-part resin system.


In some embodiments, the phenol-formaldehyde is a resol type phenol-formaldehyde.


In some embodiments, the method includes the step of diluting the multi-part resin system.


In some embodiments, the multi-part resin system is diluted with methanol.


In some embodiments forming the lignin-formaldehyde resin comprises introducing water and heating the water to between 70° C. and 95° C., introducing lignin and mixing with the water for at least 15 minutes at 80° C. to 95° C., introducing an alkali, introducing formaldehyde, and mixing the water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde, and maintaining the water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde mixture between 70° C. and 95° C.


In some embodiments, the water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde mixture is maintained at a temperature between 70° C. and 95° C. for a time between 20 minutes and 180 minutes.


In some embodiments, the alkali is potassium hydroxide KOH 50%.


In some embodiments, the lignin is either in powder form with a solid content of 85% to 95% or in the form of a paste whose solid content is around 50% to 65%.


In some embodiments, mixing includes mixing the phenol-formaldehyde resin and a lignin-formaldehyde resin at between 40° C. and 70° C.


In some embodiments, mixing occurs for at least 60 minutes to have the proper homogenous resin.


In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting the level of pH in the multi-part resin system.


In some embodiments adjusting the level of pH includes adding para toluene sulfonic.


In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of impregnating a core paper with the multi-part resin system and forming a decorative laminate with the impregnated core paper.


In another aspect, a multi-part resin system includes a lignin-formaldehyde resin and a phenolic resin.


In a further aspect, a method for making a decorative laminate includes preparing a decorative sheet and preparing at least one core layer sheet. Preparing the at least one core layer sheet includes making a multi-part resin system and impregnating the at least one core layer sheet with the multi-part resin system. Making the multi-part resin system includes forming a lignin-formaldehyde resin, forming a phenol-formaldehyde, and mixing the lignin-formaldehyde resin and the phenol-formaldehyde to form the multi-part resin system. The method also includes pressing and heating the decorative sheet and the at least one core layer sheet to form a decorative laminate.





BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS


FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematics of decorative laminates in accordance with the present invention wherein FIG. 1A shows a decorative laminate with a single decorative layer positioned on top of the core layer and FIG. 1B shows a decorative laminate with decorative layers applied to both sides of the core layer.





DESCRIPTION

A detailed embodiment is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.


Referring now to the drawings, embodiments of a high pressure decorative laminate are disclosed in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B. It should be appreciated that similar reference numerals are used in conjunction with the different embodiments to the extent the elements are similar or the same.


Briefly, and as will be described in greater detail below, the decorative laminate 10, 10′ includes a decorative layer 12 and a core layer 16. The decorative layer 12 is composed of a resin impregnated decorative sheet 14 (or dry, unimpregnated decorative with a resin impregnated overlay sheet as discussed below). The core layer 16 is composed of at least one resin impregnated sheet of core paper 18 (sometimes referred to herein as “resin impregnated core sheet”), which is impregnated with a resin composed of the present multi-part resin system composed of a phenol-formaldehyde resin and a lignin-formaldehyde resin. The decorative laminate 10, 10′ is manufactured by preparing the resin impregnated decorative sheet 14 and preparing at least one resin impregnated core sheet 18. Preparing the at least one resin impregnated core sheet 18 includes impregnating the core sheet 18 with a resin composition composed of the present multi-part resin system. The resin impregnated decorative sheet 14 and resin impregnated core sheet 18 are layered to form a laminate lay-up and the laminate lay-up is heated and pressed to consolidate and cure the decorative laminate 10, 10′.


In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, the high pressure decorative laminate may include an overlay paper layer, a decorative layer, and a multi-part resin system core layer. It should be appreciated, however, that the layering pattern may be varied, somewhat, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.


The decorative layer 12 is composed of a conventional resin impregnated decorative sheet 14 positioned directly above (and/or below) the core layer 16. The decorative layer 12 is chosen from a wide array of sheets. For example, the decorative layer 12 may be a solid color (for example, white) or may include an aesthetically appealing pattern. Where the decorative layer 12 defines the top surface of the final high pressure laminate, the decorative layer 12 dictates the surface characteristics of the final decorative laminate 10. For example, the composition of the decorative layer 12 dictates the decorative laminate's resistance to chemical agents, heat, light, shock, and abrasion. While a disclosed embodiment presented in FIG. 1A shows a single decorative layer 12 positioned on top of the core layer 16, it is appreciated as shown with reference to FIG. 1B that decorative layers 12, 12′ may be applied to both sides of the core layer 16 to produce a decorative laminate 10′ with a decorative surface on both the top and bottom surfaces. Further, while a decorative layer composed of a single resin impregnated sheet is disclosed herein, it is appreciated the decorative layer may be composed of two or even three sheets.


As discussed above, the decorative layer 12 is composed of a sheet of decorative paper 14. The decorative sheets are commonly manufactured from high quality 60-205 grams/meter2, pigment filled, alpha cellulose paper impregnated with amino plastic resin or/and polyurethane acrylate resin. Although the following disclosure discusses a resin impregnated decorative paper, it is appreciated a dry, unimpregnated decorative paper may be used (so long as a resin impregnated overlay sheet is positioned above the dry, unimpregnated decorative paper, in a manner known in the art, such that the dry, unimpregnated decorative paper is positioned between the overlay sheet and the core layer. The decorative paper 14, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is impregnated with a resin content of approximately 0% to 82% (considering 0% accounts for the embodiment described above using a dry, unimpregnated decorative paper in conjunction with an overlay sheet. The resin impregnated decorative sheets 14 are subsequently dried, partially cured, and finally cut into sheets. The pigment filled, alpha cellulose paper of the decorative sheet may include a solid color, a decorative design, or a roto-gravure reproduction of natural materials, such as, wood, marble, leather, etc. The aesthetic characteristics of the cellulose paper are revealed as the laminate's decorative design upon completion of the decorative laminate 10.


The core layer 16 is preferably composed of a plurality of resin impregnated core sheets 18 of what is commonly referred to as “saturating Kraft paper.” While saturating Kraft paper is disclosed herein, it is appreciated, the paper used in the core is not limited to saturating Kraft paper, and papers made from recycled fibers that are suitable for laminates applications are known. For example, Kruger produces a paper made of 100% recycled that is suitable for laminates applications. Further, it is appreciated other paper materials and volume of sheets may be used without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, the core layer 16 includes two sheets of 160-550 grams/meter2 resin impregnated Kraft paper. The saturating Kraft paper is impregnated with the present multi-part resin system and is partially cured (β-staged). The saturating Kraft paper is impregnated with a resin content of approximately 28% to 46%.


It is known that current phenol-formaldehyde resin with a molar ratio F (formaldehyde)/P (phenol)>1.5 allows the growth of a 3-dimensional network. For its part, the lignin does not have methylol (hydroxymethyl) function that can allow a 3-dimensional continuous network chemically bonded. Furthermore, in view of the size of the molecular weight of the oligomer chains, the steric hindrance limits the access of large molecules to reactive sites of aromatic cycles in the lignin. As these resins are designed to treat papers, the high molecular weight must be managed. Indeed, if it is quite easy to adjust the molecular weight for the current phenol-formaldehyde resin in order to treat the current papers, it is far more complicated with lignin.


As part of prior phenolic glue studies between 2014 and 2017, the lignin was studied as a reactant in a mix with phenol and formaldehyde. J.-S. M. Kazayawoko, B. Riedl, J. Poliquin (1992), “A Lignin-Phenol-Formaldehyde Binder for Particleboard,” International Journal of the Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Technology of Wood, Volume 46 (3), Jan. 1, 1992; Areskogh et al. (2018), “An Activated Lignin Composition, A Method for the Manufacturing Thereof and Use Thereof,” US Patent, 2018/0086916 A1, Mar. 29, 2018; D. Areskogh (2017), “A Method for Increasing the Reactivity of Lignin, A Resin Composition Comprising said Lignin and Use of said Resin Composition,” 12 Jan. 2017 WO 2017/006215 A1. In the case of phenolic resins for high pressure laminates, thus for treating of paper, the present invention addresses the incorporation of lignins differently, and the strategy of the present invention focuses on considering lignin as a resin on its own right. This approach allowed for the present invention to not only simplify the total operations (steps), but also to easily adjust viscosities and reactivities.


Thus, the present multi-part resin system does not have a lignin-phenol-formaldehyde resin but two resins, one phenol-formaldehyde resin and one lignin-formaldehyde resin. In fact, in the literature, two methods are presented to easily activate: the phenolation [N. S. Cetin, N. Özmen (2002), “Use of Organosolv lignin in phenol-formaldehyde resins for particleboard production I. organosolv lignin modified resins,” International Journal of Adhesion & Adhesives 22 (2002) 477-480; M. Raskin, L. O. Ioffe, A. Z. Pukis, M. H. Wolf (2002), “Resin Material and method of Producing same,” US Patent, 2002/0065400 A1, May 30, 2002; Pietarinen et al. (2019), “Method for Treating Lignin and for Producing a Binder Composition,” U.S. Pat. No. 10,301,437 B2, Mar. 28, 2019; Pietarinen (2015), “A Method for Treating Lignin and for Producing a Binder Composition,” WO 2015/079107 A1 4 Jun. 2015; L. Hu, H. Pan, Y. Zhou, M. Zhang (2011), “Methods to Improve Lignin's Reactivity as a Phenol Substitute and as Replacement for Other Phenolic Compounds: A Brief Review,” Bioresources 6 (3), 3515-3525] and the methylolation [Studies on Lignin-Based Adhesives for Particleboard Panels, Turk J Agric For 27 (2003) 183-189 custom character TÜBTAK; P. Dilling (1988), “Method for Methylolation of Lignin Material,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,764,597A Aug. 16, 1988; W. Peng, B. Riedl, A. O. Barry (1993), “Study on the kinetics of lignin methylolation,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science Vol. 48, Issue 10, 1757-1763]. And all works published and patented recently start with one of the two operations and then add either phenol or formaldehyde to complete the resin. M. Ghorbani, A. R. Mahendran, H. W. G. van Herwijnen, F. Liebner, J. Konnerth (2018), “Paper-based laminates produced with kraft lignin-rich phenol-formaldehyde resoles meet requirements for outdoor usage,” European Journal of Wood and Wood Products 76, 481-487; Pietarinen (2013), “A Method for Increasing the Reactivity of Lignin,” WO 2013/144454 A1, 3 Oct. 2013; M. Wang, M. Leitch, C(Charles) Xu (2009), “Synthesis of phenol-formaldehyde resol resins using organosolv pine lignins,” European Polymer Journal 45, 3380-3388; Jobber A. S, Ferrari L., Helwegen K. M. F. (2018), “A method for preparing an activated lignin composition,” WO 2018/190720 A1, 18 Oct. 2018; N. S. Cetin, N. Özmen (2002), “Use of Organosolv lignin in phenol-formaldehyde resins for particleboard production I. organosolv lignin modified resins,” International Journal of Adhesion & Adhesives 22. (2002) 477-480.


The present invention goes in a different direction by considering lignin as a reactant or an oligomer that only needs additional methylol functions to enhance the growth of a three-dimensional network chemically bonded.


The present multi-part resin system is prepared with:

    • A Lignin-Formaldehyde like a resin,
      • In alkali conditions
    • A phenolic resin employing current known procedures
      • That way it is easy to adjust the final characteristics of the resin playing on
        • The characteristics of the phenolic resin
          • E.g., Formaldehyde/Phenol ratio (for example, 1.3 to 2.5), level of condensation, etc.
        • The characteristics of lignin-based resin
          • E.g., Formaldehyde/Lignin ratio, Time, Temperature, pH, etc.
        • The ratio of Lignin-Formaldehyde Resin/Phenolic Resin
        • The dilution with solvent.


As briefly discussed above, the multi-part resin system of the present invention is used to impregnate the sheets making up the core layer. In particular, the multi-part resin system includes a mix of a resol type phenol-formaldehyde and a lignin-formaldehyde resin.


The multi-part resin system is prepared by blending a resol type phenol-formaldehyde resin resol type commonly used in the laminate industry and a lignin-formaldehyde resin. The multi-part resin system is ultimately diluted with methanol and the quantity of methanol depends on the paper being treated.


The lignin-formaldehyde resin is prepared in the following manner:

    • Introducing water and heat up between 70° C. and 95° C.
    • Introducing lignin and mix for at least 15 minutes at 80° C. to 95° C.
    • Introducing an alkali, like potassium hydroxide KOH 50%
    • Introducing Formaldehyde
    • Maintaining the mixing between 70° C. and 95° C. for a time between 20 minutes and 180 minutes.


In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, the lignin is either in powder form with a solid content of 85% to 95% or in the form of a paste whose solid content is around 50% to 65%. While temperature and time parameters are disclosed above, it is appreciated other temperature and time parameters may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention.


Once the phenol-formaldehyde resin and a lignin-formaldehyde resin are prepared, the phenol-formaldehyde resin and a lignin-formaldehyde resin are mixed together at a temperature between 40° C. and 70° C. for at least 60 minutes to have the proper homogenous resin. In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, the lignin-formaldehyde resin and the phenol-formaldehyde resin are mixed at a ratio of 30/70 or 50/50. The operation is completed with a dilution with methanol and/or water to make the resin suitable for the treating of the papers. The level of dilution and the dilution composition depend on lignin/Phenol ratio and kind of paper. By way of example, a paper is impregnated using a double coater treater, wherein the viscosity is approximately 50 cps at 25° C. (solid around 40%). However, the same paper, and deep and squeeze roll treater, the viscosity is set at approximately 70 cps (solid around 45%). With other papers it has been found that a viscosity of 20 cps is acceptable with methanol dilution and resin impregnation with deep and squeeze rolls treater, but it is also possible to achieve similar results with water dilution and impregnation with a double coater system.


In addition, the level of pH and acid are adjusted to control the pH (between 8.5 and 9.5) depending on the ratio Base/Lignin. The best acid is Para toluene sulfonic acid, but other organic ones could be possible)


The multi-part resin may then be applied to the saturating Kraft paper and the polymerization of the composite is completed with the simultaneous application of heat and high pressure which characteristics are the following ones:


Once the appropriate layers of the laminate are formed, the sheets 14, 18 are stacked in a conventional manner, and the laminate lay-up is heated and pressed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, the layers are first stacked and placed between steel plates. The laminate stack is then subjected to temperatures in the range of 130° C. to 160° C., and pressure of about 20 kg/cm2 to 100 kg/cm2 for a time sufficient to consolidate the laminate and cure the resins (generally about 20 minutes to 60 minutes). The pressure and heat force the resin in the paper sheets to flow, cure and consolidate the sheets into a unitary laminated mass referred to in the art as a decorative high pressure laminate. Generally, more than one laminate is formed at one time. Multiple laminates are formed by inserting a plurality of assembled sheets in a stack. Release sheets are positioned between the assembled sheets to separate the various laminates stacked together. After consolidation, the release sheets allow the individual laminates to be separated.


The laminate is then cooled for approximately 10 minutes under pressure before it is ready for further processing in preparation for its use in the manufacture of various products. During this last operation, the surface is in contact with a plate or a release paper that gives the material the final texture.


The resulting high pressure laminate meets the standard EN 438. The high pressure laminate of the present invention also allows a dramatic reduction in phenol needed for the production of the decorative high pressure laminates. In addition, the free phenol of such resins is very low.


While specific temperatures, pressures, and times are described above, it should be appreciated that a variety of pressing techniques may be used without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.


It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

Claims
  • 1. A method for making a multi-part resin system used in the manufacture of decorative laminates, comprising: forming a lignin-formaldehyde resin consisting essentially of water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde;forming a phenol-formaldehyde resin;mixing the lignin-formaldehyde resin and the phenol-formaldehyde resin to form the multi-part resin system;diluting the multi-part resin system with methanol and/or water such that it has a viscosity from approximately 20 cps to approximately 70 cps and adjusting the pH to between 8.5 and 9.5.
  • 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the phenol-formaldehyde resin is a resol type phenol-formaldehyde.
  • 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein forming the lignin-formaldehyde resin comprises introducing water and heating the water to between 70° C.and 95° C.; introducing lignin and mixing with the water for at least 15 minutes at 80° C. to 95° C.; introducing the alkali; introducing the formaldehyde; and mixing the water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde and maintaining the water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde mixture between 70° C. and 95° C.
  • 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde mixture is maintained at a temperature between 70° C. and 95° C. for a time between 20 minutes and 180 minutes.
  • 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the lignin is either in powder form with a solid content of 85% to 95% or in the form of a paste whose solid content is around 50% to 65%.
  • 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein mixing includes mixing the phenol-formaldehyde resin and a lignin-formaldehyde resin at around 40° C. to 70° C.
  • 7. The method according to claim 1, further including adjusting a pH in the multi-part resin system.
  • 8. The method according to claim 1, further including the step of impregnating a core paper with the multi-part resin system and forming a decorative laminate with the impregnated core paper.
  • 9. A multi-part resin system, comprising: a lignin-formaldehyde resin consisting essentially of water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde; anda phenolic resin.
  • 10. The multi-part resin system according to claim 9, wherein the lignin-formaldehyde resin is formed under alkali conditions.
  • 11. A method for making a decorative laminate, comprising: preparing a decorative sheet impregnated;preparing at least one core layer sheet impregnated, wherein preparing the at least one core layer sheet includes making a multi-part resin system and impregnating the at least one core layer sheet with the multi-part resin system, wherein making the multi-part resin system includes forming a lignin-formaldehyde resin consisting essentially of water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde; forming a phenol-formaldehyde; mixing the lignin-formaldehyde resin and the phenol-formaldehyde to form the multi-part resin system, and diluting the multi-part resin system with methanol and/or water such that it has a viscosity from approximately 20 cps to approximately 70 cps and adjusting the pH to between 8.5 and 9.5;pressing and heating the decorative sheet and the at least one core layer sheet to form a decorative laminate.
  • 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the phenol-formaldehyde resin is a resol type phenol-formaldehyde resin.
  • 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein forming the lignin- formaldehyde resin comprises introducing water and heating the water to between 70° C. and 95° C.; introducing lignin and mixing with the water for at least 15 minutes at 80° C. to 95° C.; introducing the alkali; introducing the formaldehyde; and mixing the water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde and maintaining the water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde mixture between 70° C. and 95° C.
  • 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the water, lignin, alkali, and formaldehyde mixture is maintained at a temperature between 70° C. and 95° C. for a time between 20 minutes and 180 minutes.
  • 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the lignin is either in powder form with a solid of 85-95% or in the form of a paste whose solid is around 50% to 65%.
  • 16. The method according to claim 11, wherein mixing includes mixing the phenol-formaldehyde resin and a lignin-formaldehyde resin at around 40° C. to 70° C.
  • 17. The method according to claim 11, further including adjusting a pH in the multi-part resin system.
  • 18. The method according to claim 11, further including the step of impregnating a core paper with the multi-part resin system and forming a decorative laminate with the impregnated core paper.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/113,285, entitled “MULTI-PART LIGNIN-BASED RESIN SYSTEM FOR DECORATIVE LAMINATES,” filed Nov. 13, 2020, which is incorporated by reference.

US Referenced Citations (118)
Number Name Date Kind
3090700 Ball et al. May 1963 A
3185654 Ball et al. May 1965 A
3216839 Webster Nov 1965 A
3294582 Suchy Dec 1966 A
3931072 Coyle Jan 1976 A
4105606 Forss et al. Aug 1978 A
4113675 Clarke Sep 1978 A
4130515 Bornstein Dec 1978 A
4303562 Hollis, Jr. et al. Dec 1981 A
4306999 Adams et al. Dec 1981 A
4324747 Sudan et al. Apr 1982 A
4332589 Lin Jun 1982 A
4404334 Bornstein Sep 1983 A
4423173 Janiga Dec 1983 A
4476193 Seidel et al. Oct 1984 A
4521336 Dilling Jun 1985 A
4537941 Kambanis et al. Aug 1985 A
4559097 Janiga Dec 1985 A
RE32408 Janiga Apr 1987 E
4764597 Dilling Aug 1988 A
4957557 Dimitri Sep 1990 A
5008378 Dimitri Apr 1991 A
5202403 Doering Apr 1993 A
5260405 Gardziella Nov 1993 A
5684114 Phillips et al. Nov 1997 A
7807749 Pisanova et al. Oct 2010 B2
8178600 Kelly May 2012 B2
8445563 Winterowd et al. May 2013 B2
8501841 Winterowd et al. Aug 2013 B2
8563633 Kawashima et al. Oct 2013 B2
8748537 Naskar et al. Jun 2014 B2
8859707 Brizius Oct 2014 B2
9023919 Krueger et al. May 2015 B2
9090731 Winterowd Jul 2015 B2
9109148 Valkonen Aug 2015 B2
9157016 Hagiopol et al. Oct 2015 B2
9163169 Balogh et al. Oct 2015 B2
9169385 Baxter et al. Oct 2015 B2
9243114 Williamson et al. Jan 2016 B2
9404025 Holte Aug 2016 B1
9458298 Sniady et al. Oct 2016 B2
9464193 Hagiopol et al. Oct 2016 B2
9464219 Pietarinen et al. Oct 2016 B2
9469795 Valkonen Oct 2016 B2
9505964 Berlin Nov 2016 B2
9586338 Sniady et al. Mar 2017 B2
9587077 Williamson et al. Mar 2017 B2
9587115 Sniady et al. Mar 2017 B2
9610706 Cothran et al. Apr 2017 B2
9617452 Cothran Apr 2017 B2
9683139 Tillman et al. Jun 2017 B1
9815985 Naskar et al. Nov 2017 B2
9834646 Baxter et al. Dec 2017 B2
9909041 Yeager et al. Mar 2018 B2
9914870 Washburn et al. Mar 2018 B2
9982174 Berlin May 2018 B2
10017636 Valkonen et al. Jul 2018 B2
10035913 Hampson et al. Jul 2018 B2
10160823 Delmas et al. Dec 2018 B2
10246619 Pietarinen et al. Apr 2019 B2
10259903 Pietarinen et al. Apr 2019 B2
10273388 Tillman Apr 2019 B1
10301437 Pietarinen et al. May 2019 B2
10421212 Sniady et al. Sep 2019 B2
10487101 Pietarinen et al. Nov 2019 B2
10711153 Zafar et al. Jul 2020 B2
10717873 Zafar et al. Jul 2020 B2
10738025 Hagiopol et al. Aug 2020 B2
10808068 Maiorana et al. Oct 2020 B2
10894855 Pietarinen et al. Jan 2021 B2
10913824 Bode et al. Feb 2021 B2
11084931 Areskogh et al. Aug 2021 B2
11104774 Areskogh et al. Aug 2021 B2
11111372 Zhang et al. Sep 2021 B2
11130257 Zafar Sep 2021 B2
11136451 Zhang et al. Oct 2021 B2
11155683 Sarkas et al. Oct 2021 B2
11214716 Shi et al. Jan 2022 B2
20020065400 Raskin May 2002 A1
20050250900 Stofko Nov 2005 A1
20110159768 Crescimanno et al. Jun 2011 A1
20110245381 Winterowd Oct 2011 A1
20130078437 Symkens Mar 2013 A1
20140011042 Sugawara et al. Jan 2014 A1
20140171379 Jansen et al. Jun 2014 A1
20140242867 Jansen et al. Aug 2014 A1
20150159061 Kouisni Jun 2015 A1
20150210904 Cothran Jul 2015 A1
20150329753 Billington et al. Nov 2015 A1
20150344737 Bode et al. Dec 2015 A1
20160096985 Knight et al. Apr 2016 A1
20180078916 Washburn et al. Mar 2018 A1
20180273755 Cobb et al. Sep 2018 A1
20180319984 Hampson et al. Nov 2018 A1
20180362689 Jimenez et al. Dec 2018 A1
20180371252 Carrick et al. Dec 2018 A1
20190153274 Markesinis et al. May 2019 A1
20190177585 Pietarinen et al. Jun 2019 A1
20200040022 Pietarinen et al. Feb 2020 A1
20200079960 Zafar et al. Mar 2020 A1
20200157287 Nasli et al. May 2020 A1
20200190328 Hampson et al. Jun 2020 A1
20200216672 Zafar Jul 2020 A1
20200347231 Hampson et al. Nov 2020 A1
20210009618 Jobber Jan 2021 A1
20210009745 Maiorana et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210016466 Fleckenstein et al. Jan 2021 A1
20210040361 Park et al. Feb 2021 A1
20210087401 Hampson et al. Mar 2021 A1
20210189200 Shi et al. Jun 2021 A1
20210214557 Hampson et al. Jul 2021 A1
20210238367 Nasli et al. Aug 2021 A1
20210238424 Nasli Bakir Aug 2021 A1
20210238464 Nasli Bakir Aug 2021 A1
20210253922 Nasli et al. Aug 2021 A1
20210340379 Hampson et al. Nov 2021 A1
20210371718 Johannsen et al. Dec 2021 A1
20210388200 Nasli et al. Dec 2021 A1
Foreign Referenced Citations (56)
Number Date Country
1068426 Dec 1979 CA
1084829 Sep 1980 CA
1153294 Sep 1983 CA
101492522 Jul 2009 CN
103131019 Jun 2013 CN
104087219 Oct 2014 CN
105419727 Mar 2016 CN
105950088 Sep 2016 CN
106279584 Jan 2017 CN
107286905 Oct 2017 CN
107699173 Feb 2018 CN
108003822 May 2018 CN
108299787 Jul 2018 CN
108794715 Nov 2018 CN
108949078 Dec 2018 CN
109535441 Mar 2019 CN
111040688 Apr 2020 CN
111393667 Jul 2020 CN
111621263 Sep 2020 CN
112029058 Dec 2020 CN
112625652 Apr 2021 CN
2949182 Jul 1980 DE
1334997 Aug 2003 EP
2758457 Jul 2014 EP
2814885 Dec 2014 EP
2918627 Sep 2015 EP
2993201 Mar 2016 EP
3074410 Oct 2016 EP
3083651 Oct 2016 EP
3783008 Feb 2021 EP
3865551 Aug 2021 EP
1049128 Nov 1966 GB
2010248309 Nov 2010 JP
2021150864 Jul 2021 NO
9424192 Oct 1994 WO
2014080033 May 2014 WO
2015117106 Aug 2015 WO
2015142158 Sep 2015 WO
201755464 Apr 2017 WO
201807429 Jan 2018 WO
2018109262 Jun 2018 WO
2018190720 Oct 2018 WO
2018193166 Oct 2018 WO
2018205020 Nov 2018 WO
2019202477 Oct 2019 WO
202070337 Apr 2020 WO
202075032 Apr 2020 WO
2020109983 Jun 2020 WO
2020217209 Oct 2020 WO
2020261087 Dec 2020 WO
202105266 Jan 2021 WO
2021124125 Jun 2021 WO
2021124127 Jun 2021 WO
2021124129 Jun 2021 WO
2021197624 Oct 2021 WO
2021197637 Oct 2021 WO
Non-Patent Literature Citations (11)
Entry
Taverna et al. (BioResources 10(4), 8325-8338) (Year: 2015).
RJ Seidl, HK Burr, CN Ferguson, GE Mackin (1944), “Properties of laminated plastics made from lignin and lignin-phenolic resin-impregnated papers,” Report nº1595 of States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, Wisconsin.
J.-S.M. Kazayawoko, B. Riedl, J. Poliquin (1992), “A Lignin-Phenol-Formaldehyde Binder for Particleboard,” International Journal of the Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Technology of Wood, vol. 46 (3), Jan. 1, 1992.
N.S.Cetin, N.Özmen (2002), “Use of Organosolv lignin in phenol-formaldehyde resins for particleboard production I. organosolv lignin modified resins,” International Journal of Adhesion & Adhesives 22 (2002) 477-480.
M.V.Alonso, M.Oliet,F.Rodriguez, G.Astarloa, J.M.Echeverria (2004), “Use of a Methylolated Softwood Ammonium Lignosulfonate As Partial Substitute of Phenol in Resol Resins Manufacture,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science, vol. 94, 643-650 (2004).
Marion Thébault, Ya Li, Christopher Beuc, Stephan Frömel-Frybort, Edith-Martha Zikulnig-Rusch, Larysa Kutuzova and Andreas Kandelbauer, Impregnated Paper-Based Decorative Laminates Prepared from Lignin-Substituted Phenolic Resins, Journal of Renewable Materials, JRM, 2020, vol. 8, No. 10, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2020.09755.
L.Hu, H.Pan, Y.Zhou, M.Zhang (2011), “Methods to Improve Lignin's Reactivity as a Phenol Substitute and as Replacement for Other Phenolic Compounds: A Brief Review,” BioRessources 6 (3), 3515-3525.
W. Peng, B. Riedl, A. O. Barry (1993), “Study on the kinetics of lignin methylolation,” Journal of Applied Polymer Science vol. 48, Issue10, 1757-1763.
M.Ghorbani, A.R.Mahendran, H.W.G.van Herwijnen, F.Liebner, J.Konnerth (2018), “Paper-based laminates produced with kraft lignin-rich phenol-formaldehyde resoles meet requirements for outdoor usage,” European Journal of Wood and Wood Products 76, 481-487.
M.Wang, M.Leitch, C(Charles)Xu (2009), “Synthesis of phenol-formaldehyde resol resins using organosolv pine lignins,” European Polymer Journal 45, 3380-3388.
N.S. Cetin, Studies on Lignin-Based Adhesives for Particleboard Panels, Turk J Agric For 27 (2003) 183-189 © TÜB<TAK.
Related Publications (1)
Number Date Country
20220153903 A1 May 2022 US
Provisional Applications (1)
Number Date Country
63113285 Nov 2020 US