LOW Tg LIGNIN
Lignin has a weight average molecular weight of at least 6,000 daltons and comprising (a) from 2% to 10% of a low molecular component having a weight average molecular weight (M W ) of from 300 to 1500 daltons, and (b) from 10% to 50% of a high molecular weight component having a weight average molecular weight (M W ) of at least 10,000 daltons; and exhibiting a T g of from 100° C. to 130° C. when measured by differential scanning calorimetry.
1 . A lignin having a weight average molecular weight (M W ) of at least 6,000 daltons wherein said lignin comprises
(a) from 2% to 10% of a low molecular component having a weight average molecular weight (M W ) of from 300 to 1500 daltons, and
(b) from 10% to 50% of a high molecular weight component having a weight average molecular weight (M W ) of at least 10,000 daltons;
wherein the fractions of high and low molecular weight is determined by the Kringstad fractionation process, and
wherein said lignin exhibits a T g of from 100° C. to 130° C. when measured by differential scanning calorimetry.
2 . The lignin of claim 1 wherein the T g is from 105° C. to 125° C.