Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Compositions for enhancing the strength and humidity resistance of lignocellulosic fibrous materials such as paper. The compositions are comprised of at least one lignin derivative and a solvent system whereby the solvent system is comprised of water and at least one organic solvent. Suitable lignin derivatives include but are not limited to lignosulfonate, lignosulfonate/kraft lignin, lignosulfonate/organosolv, and mixtures thereof. Sugar may be optionally added to further enhance the strength and humidity resistance of lignocellulosic fibrous materials. Suitable sugars include but are not limited to sucrose, fructose, glucose, ribose, mannose maltose, glucose amine, and mixtures thereof. Other optional strength enhancing materials including but not limited to starch, carboxymethyl cellulose, and mixtures thereof may also be added if desired to provide additional strength and humidity resistance. The strength and humidity resistance of lignocellulosic fibrous materials treated with the compositions of this invention may be further enhanced by the optional application of thermal energy, radiant energy or combinations thereof. The invention also relates to a method of enhancing the strength and humidity resistance of lignocellulosic fibrous materials.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim