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 the lignin comprises:
(a) from 2% to 10% of total low molecular weight components, wherein low molecular weight components are those having a weight average molecular weight (M w ) of from 300 to 1500 daltons, and
(b) from 15% to 50% of total high molecular weight components, wherein high molecular weight components are those having a weight average molecular weight (M w ) of at least 10,000 daltons;
wherein the 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.
3 . A lignin having a weight average molecular weight of at least 6,000 daltons, wherein the lignin comprises:
(a) about 4% of an F1 fraction, and
(b) about 42% of an F5 fraction;
wherein the fractions are determined by the Kringstad fractionation process; and
wherein the lignin exhibits a T g of from 100° C. to 130° C. when measured by differential scanning calorimetry.
4 . The lignin of claim 3 , wherein the T g is from 105° C. to 125° C.
5 . The lignin of claim 3 , further comprising about 2% of an F2 fraction.
6 . The lignin of claim 3 , further comprising about 26% of an F3 fraction.
7 . The lignin of claim 3 , further comprising about 26% of an F4 fraction.