Biobased extreme pressure additive for lubricating compositions and associated methods

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a lubricating composition or grease and methods of making and using the same. The lubricating composition or grease includes a sulfonated lignin and a lubricant comprising a soap thickener and a base oil.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A lubricating composition comprising:
 a lubricant comprising a soap thickener and a base oil; and   a sulfonated lignin.   
     
     
         2 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the sulfonated lignin is one or more lignins that has been sulfonated, wherein each lignin is independently selected from organosolv lignin, milled wood lignin, cellulolytic enzyme lignin, enzymatic mild acidolysis lignin, lignin extracted with ionic liquids, alkali lignin, alkali lignin slurry, sodium salt of lignin, lignin sodium salt slurry, black liquor, Kraft lignin, sulfite lignin, and derivatives or salts thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the sulfonated lignin has one or more sulfonate groups located on the aliphatic portion of the lignin, the sulfonated lignin has one or more sulfonate groups located on the aromatic portion of the lignin, or the sulfonated lignin has one or more sulfonate groups located on the aromatic portion of the lignin and one or more sulfonate groups located on aliphatic part of the lignin. 
     
     
         4 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of:
 the degree of sulfonation of the sulfonated lignin is about 0.7 to about 3.4 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000-unit weight of lignin;   the molecular weight of the sulfonated lignin is about 2,900 to about 23,000 Dalton; or   a combination thereof.   
     
     
         5 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the sulfonated lignin is a sodium lignosulfonate. 
     
     
         6 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the sulfonated lignin is sulfonated Kraft lignin, Kraft sodium lignosulfonate, or sulfomethylated Kraft lignin. 
     
     
         7 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the sulfonated lignin includes or is one or more sulfonated lignins selected from:
 (i) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 3.3 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000-unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.418 kg/L, a moisture content of about 6.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 16.0%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 11.0, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 50.4 mN/m, a total sulfur content of about 12.6%, and an average molecule weight of 2,900 Dalton;   (ii) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 0.7 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000-unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.354 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 3.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 9.8, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 55.0 mN/m, a total sulfur content of about 4.2%, and an average molecule weight of 4,300 Dalton;   (iii)sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 1.2 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000-unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.385 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 5.0%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.3, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 49.0 mN/m, a total sulfur content of about 6.8%, and an average molecule weight of 2,400 Dalton;   (iv) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 2.0 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000-unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.418 kg/L, a moisture content of about 6.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 9.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.5, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 50.0 mN/m, a total sulfur content of about 9.7%, and an average molecule weight of 2,900 Dalton;   (v) sodium salt of sulfomethylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 3.4 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000-unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.386 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 3.0%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 8.8, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 48.9 mN/m, a total sulfur content of about 12.3%, and an average molecule weight of 2,000 Dalton;   (vi) sodium salt sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 3.4 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000-unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.386 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 1.0%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 8.8, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 48.9 mN/m, a total sulfur content of about 12.2%, and an average molecule weight of 2,000 Dalton;   (vii) sodium salt of ethoxylated sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 1.2 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a degree of ethoxylation about 0.4 to about 0.6 moles of ethoxy groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a bulk density of 0.567 kg/L, a moisture content of about 8.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 4.8%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.5, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 42.0 mN/m, a total sulfur content of about 6.5%, and an average molecule weight of 4,700 Dalton;   (viii) sodium lignosulfonate with sulfur present at about 7.5 % w/w of total dry solids, sulfate ions present at about 1.8% w/w of total dry solids, a pH (10% solution) of about 7.5 to about 9.5, total free sugars present in an amount of about 1.0%, aqueous insolubles present in an amount of about 0.3 % w/w of total dry solids, calcium present in an amount of about 0.06% w/w of total dry solids, chlorine present in an amount of about 0.01% w/w of total dry solids, sodium present in an amount of about 9.0% w/w of the total dry solids, and dry solids present in greater than 92.0% w/w;   (ix) sodium lignosulfonate with sulfur present at about 8.5 % w/w of total dry solids, sulfate ions present at about 7.5% w/w of total dry solids, a pH (10% solution) of about 5.0 to about 6.0, total free sugars of about 1.0%, aqueous insolubles present in about 0.3 % w/w of total dry solids, calcium present in an amount of about 0.12% w/w of total dry solids, chlorine present in an amount of about 0.01% w/w of total dry solids, sodium present in an amount of about 9.0% w/w of the total dry solids, and dry solids present in greater than 92.0% w/w;   (x) sodium lignosulfonate with sulfur present at about 8.0 to about 9.0 % w/w of total dry solids, sulfate ions present at about 6.5 to about 7.5% w/w of total dry solids, a pH (10% solution, 25° C.) of about 7.5 to about 9.1, total free sugars of about 1.0%, aqueous insolubles present in about 0.3 % w/w of total dry solids, calcium present in an amount of about 0.12% w/w of total dry solids, chlorine present in an amount of about 0.01% w/w of total dry solids, sodium present in an amount of about 9.0 to 10.0% w/w of the total dry solids, and dry solids present in greater than 92.0% w/w;   (xi) sodium salt of sulfonated formylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 1.5 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.480 kg/L, a moisture content of about 8.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about less than 1.5%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of about 4.0%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.0, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, and an average molecule weight of 12,000 Dalton;   (xii) sodium salt of sulfonated formylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 2.3 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.481 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 8.0%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of about 12.0%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 7.0, reducing sugars present in an amount of 0%, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, and an average molecule weight of 10,000 Dalton;   (xiii) sodium salt of sulfonated formylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 1.3 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.386 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 2.0%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of about 3.0%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.4, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, a total sulfur content of about 6.3%, a total sodium content of about 8.5%, a conductivity (5% aqueous) of about 8,500 mmhos, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 57.0 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 11,000 Dalton;   (xiv) sodium salt of ethoxylated sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 2.0 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a degree of ethoxylation about 3.3 to about 3.6 moles of ethoxy groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a bulk density of 0.567 kg/L, a moisture content of about 8.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 3.0%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 12.0, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 42.0 mN/m, a total sulfur content of about 11.0%, an average molecule weight of 3,700 Dalton, and is completely soluble in water;   (xv) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 1.8 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.496 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 2.3%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of about 2.0%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.5, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, a total sulfur content of about 7.4%, a total sodium content of about 9.5%, a conductivity (5% aqueous) of about 11,400 mmhos, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 61.5 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 9,000 Dalton;   (xvi) sodium salt of sulfomethylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 0.8 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.448 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about less than 1.0%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of about 2.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.4, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, a total sulfur content of about 4.3%, a total sodium content of about 7.5%, a conductivity (5% aqueous) of about 9,000 mmhos, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 59.35 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 10,000 Dalton;   (xvii) sodium salt of sulfomethylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 2.9 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.450 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 3.0%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.4, completely soluble in water, a total sulfur content of about 1.4%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 52.2 mN/m, reducing sugars present in an amount of 0%, and an average molecule weight of 3,100 Dalton;   (xviii) sodium salt of sulfomethylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 2.9 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.450 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 2.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 11.0, completely soluble in water, a total sulfur content of about 10.5%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 48.9 mN/m, reducing sugars present in an amount of 0%, and an average molecule weight of 3,100 Dalton;   (xix) sodium salt of sulfonated formylated kraft lignin with a loose bulk density of 0.386 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0, sulfur present in an amount of about 6.3%, sodium present in an amount of about 8.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.5, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 60.0 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 11,500 Dalton;   (xx) sodium salt of kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 1.2 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.434 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 0.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 7.2, completely soluble in water, a total sulfur content of about 5.0%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 50.0 mN/m, reducing sugars present in an amount of 0%, and an average molecule weight of 13,400 Dalton;   (xxi) sodium salt of kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 1.5 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.450 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 1.2%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 7.2, completely soluble in water, a total sulfur content of about 6.0%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 51.0 mN/m, reducing sugars present in an amount of 0%, and an average molecule weight of 10,200 Dalton;   (xxii) sodium salt of kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 2.9 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.450 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 2.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 11.0, completely soluble in water, a total sulfur content of about 10.5%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 48.9 mN/m, reducing sugars present in an amount of 0%, and an average molecule weight of 3,100 Dalton;   (xxiii) sodium salt of sulfonated formylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 0.8 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 448 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of less than about 1.0%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of about 2.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.0, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, a total sulfur content of about 4.6%, a total sodium content of about 7.5%, a conductivity (5% aqueous) of about 9,000 mmhos, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 59.35 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 10,000 Dalton;   (xxiv) sodium salt of sulfomethylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 1.3 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 480 kg/m 3 , a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of less than about 1.0%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of less than about 7.0%, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, a total sulfur content of about 6.5%, a conductivity (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.01%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 57.0 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 10,000 Dalton;   (xxv) sodium salt of sulfomethylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 1.8 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, methoxyl present in an amount of about 8.9%, a loose bulk density of about 0.496 kg/L, a moisture content of about 8.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of less than about 2.0%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of less than about 1.0%, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, a total sulfur content of about 7.7%, a conductivity (5% aqueous solution) of less than about 16,900%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 61.5 mN/m, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.5, and an average molecule weight of 9,000 Dalton;   (xxvi) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 0.8 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of about 0.450 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of less than about 1.0%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of about 1.0%, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.5, and an average molecule weight of 10,000 Dalton;   (xxvii) sodium salt of sulfonated formylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 0.8 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 450 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of less than about 1.0%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of less than about 1.0%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.4, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, a total sulfur content of about 4.8%, a total sodium content of about 7.5%, a conductivity (5% aqueous, 2° C.) of about 6,000 mmhos, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 59.3 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 23,000 Dalton;   (xxviii) sodium salt of sulfonated formylated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 0.8 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.448 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of less than about 1.0%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of about 2.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.4, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, a total sulfur content of about 4.3%, a total sodium content of about 7.5%, a conductivity (5% aqueous, 2° C.) of about 6,000 mmhos, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 59.35 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 10,000 Dalton;   (xxix) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 2.5 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.480 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of less than about 0.5%, Na 2 SO 4  present in an amount of less than about 0.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 8.3, aqueous insolubility (5% aqueous solution, 70° C.) of less than about 0.05%, a total sulfur content of about 8.4%, a total sodium content of about 7.5%, a conductivity (5% aqueous, 2° C.) of about 7,800 mmhos, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 52.5 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 6,300 Dalton;   (xxx) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 2.9 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.482 kg/L, a moisture content of about 7.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of less than about 0.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 8.5, completely soluble in water, a total sulfur content of about 9.8%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 52.5 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 4,400 Dalton;   (xxxi) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 2.9 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.465 kg/L, a moisture content of about 8.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of less than about 0.5%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 7.5, completely soluble in water, a total sulfur content of about 13.7%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 43.0 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 5,700 Dalton;   (xxxii) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 3.3 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.465 kg/L, a moisture content of about 8.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 9.4%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 10.0, completely soluble in water, a total sulfur content of about 15.2%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 58.0 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 3,700 Dalton;   (xxxiii) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 0.8 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.465 kg/L, a moisture content of about 8.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 0.7%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 9.8, completely soluble in water, a total sulfur content of about 8.2%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 37.0 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 11,000 Dalton;   (xxxiv) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 0.8 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.465 kg/L, a moisture content of about 8.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 0.7%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 11.0, completely soluble in water, a total sulfur content of about 7.7%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 51.0 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 9,700 Dalton;   (xxxv) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 2.9 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000 unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.465 kg/L, a moisture content of about 8.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 1.6%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 11.0, completely soluble in water, a total sulfur content of about 12.5%, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 51.0 mN/m, and an average molecule weight of 5,800 Dalton;   (xxxvi) sodium salt of sulfonated kraft lignin with a degree of sulfonation of about 2.9 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000-unit weight of lignin, a loose bulk density of 0.465 kg/L, a moisture content of about 8.0%, Na 2 SO 3  present in an amount of about 1.6%, a pH (15% aqueous, 25° C.) of about 11.0, a surface tension (1% aqueous) of about 38.6 mN/m, a total sulfur content of about 12.7%, and an average molecule weight of 3,900 Dalton; and   (xxxvii) a combination thereof.   
     
     
         8 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one additive, each additive independently selected from: a friction modifier, an emulsifier, a surfactant, a co-thickener, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a co-wear inhibitor, a co-extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the soap thickener is a simple soap thickener. 
     
     
         10 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the soap thickener is a complex soap thickener. 
     
     
         11 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the lubricating composition is thickened to a grease consistency with the soap thickener. 
     
     
         12 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of: the based oil is present in an amount of about 70.0 wt.% to about 95.0 wt.% of the lubricating composition, the sulfonated lignin composition is present in an amount of about 1.0 wt.% to about 10.0 wt.% of the lubricating composition, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the lubricating composition is a grease, a gear oil, an open gear oil, a chain oil, a track oil grease, a centralized greasing system grease, or a cable or wire drawing lubricant. 
     
     
         14 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of:
 the lubricating composition has a weld load of at least 250 Kgf as determined by ASTM D2596-20 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Weld-Test Method);   the lubricating composition has a scar wear of less than 0.60 mm as determined by the ASTM D2266-01 (2015) Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Wear-Test Method).; or   a combination thereof.   
     
     
         15 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of:
 the lubricating composition has a weld load of at least 400 Kgf as determined by ASTM D2596-20 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Weld-Test Method);   the lubricating composition has a scar wear of less than 0.50 mm as determined by the ASTM D2266-01 (2015) Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Wear-Test Method); or   a combination thereof.   
     
     
         16 . The lubricating composition of  claim 1 , wherein the base oil is a Group I base oil, a Group II base oil, a Group III base oil, a Group IV base oil, a Group V base oil, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         17 . A method of preparing a lubricating composition, the method comprising:
 adding a sulfonated lignin to a lubricant having a base oil and a soap thickener; and   mixing the sulfonated lignin and the lubricant.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising:
 milling the lubricant-sulfonated lignin mixture;   thickening the lubricant or lubricating composition to a grease consistency with the soap thickener; or   a combination thereof.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the sulfonated lignin is one or more lignins that has been sulfonated, wherein each lignin is independently selected from organosolv lignin, milled wood lignin, cellulolytic enzyme lignin, enzymatic mild acidolysis lignin, lignin extracted with ionic liquids, alkali lignin, alkali lignin slurry, sodium salt of lignin, lignin sodium salt slurry, black liquor, Kraft lignin, sulfite lignin, and derivatives or salts thereof. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein (i) the lignin has one or more sulfonate groups located on the aliphatic portion of the lignin, (ii) the lignin has one or more sulfonate groups located on the aromatic portion of the lignin, or (iii) the lignin has one or more sulfonate groups located on the aromatic portion of the lignin and one or more sulfonate groups located on aliphatic part of the lignin. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of:
 the degree of sulfonation of the sulfonated lignin is about 0.7 to about 3.4 moles of sulfonic acid groups per 1,000-unit weight of lignin;   the molecular weight of the sulfonated lignin is about 2,900 to about 23,000 Dalton; or   a combination thereof.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the sulfonated lignin is a sodium lignosulfonate. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the sulfonated lignin is sulfonated Kraft lignin, Kraft sodium lignosulfonate, or sulfomethylated Kraft lignin. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein: (i) the base oil is a Group I base oil, a Group II base oil, a Group III base oil, a Group IV base oil, a Group V base oil, or a combination thereof; (ii) the soap thickener is a simple aluminum soap, a simple lithium soap, a simple calcium soap, a simple sodium soap, a simple potassium soap, or a combination thereof; (iii) the soap thickener is a complex aluminum soap, a complex lithium soap, a complex calcium soap, a complex sodium soap, a complex potassium soap, or a combination thereof); or (iv) both (i) and (ii) or (iii). 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of: the base oil is present in an amount of about 70.0 wt.% to about 95.0 wt.% of the lubricating composition, the sulfonated lignin is present in an amount of about 1.0 wt.% to about 10.0 wt.% of the lubricating composition, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the lubricating composition is a grease, a gear oil, an open gear oil, a chain oil, a track oil grease, a centralized greasing system grease, or a cable or wire drawing lubricant. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising mixing in at least one additive independently selected from the group consisting of: a friction modifier, an emulsifier, a surfactant, a thickener, a rheology modifier, a corrosion inhibitor, an antioxidant, a co-wear inhibitor, a co-extreme pressure agent, a tackiness agent, a viscosity modifier, a colorant, an odor control agent, a filler, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of:
 the lubricating composition has a weld load of at least 250 Kgf as determined by ASTM D2596-20 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Weld-Test Method);   the lubricating composition has a scar wear of less than 0.60 mm as determined by the ASTM D2266-01 (2015) Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Wear-Test Method); or   a combination thereof.   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of:
 the lubricating composition has a weld load of at least 400 Kgf as determined by ASTM D2596-20 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Weld-Test Method);   the lubricating composition has a scar wear of less than 0.50 mm as determined by the ASTM D2266-01 (2015) Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Wear-Test Method); or   a combination thereof.   
     
     
         30 . A method of lubricating and/or inhibiting wear, the method comprising applying the lubricating composition of  claim 1  to a surface in the need thereof. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein at least one of:
 the lubricating composition has a weld load of at least 250 Kgf as determined by ASTM D2596-20 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Weld-Test Method);   the lubricating composition has a scar wear of less than 0.60 mm as determined by the ASTM D2266-01 (2015) Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Wear-Test Method); or   a combination thereof.   
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein at least one:
 the lubricating composition has a weld load of at least 400 Kgf as determined by ASTM D2596-20 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Weld-Test Method);   the lubricating composition has a scar wear of less than 0.50 mm as determined by the ASTM D2266-01 (2015) Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Wear-Test Method); or   a combination thereof.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the surface includes a gear, a chain, a track (such as a railroad track), a cable, a wire, a roller bearing, a metal plate, a journal bearing, an open bear box, a pump, a piston, or a combination thereof.