Abstract: A micro-perforated laminae includes a layer of material having a plurality of spaced-apart perforations, in which the total open orifice area of the perforations is about 0.1% to 17.0% of the total surface area of the layer of material. The layer of material can be a thermoplastic material, metal foil, cellulosic film, paper and/or nonwoven. The perforations can be slits, with each slit having a length of no more than about 100 mils (2.54 mm). Alternatively, the perforations can be holes, in which each hole has a diameter of no more than about five mils (0.13 mm). The total open orifice area of perforations can be in the range of about 0.1 mm2 to about 17 mm2 per square centimeter of the total surface area of the micro-perforated laminae.

Abstract: A micro-perforated laminae includes a layer of material having a plurality of spaced-apart perforations, in which the total open orifice area of the perforations is about 0.1% to 100.0% of the total surface area of the layer of material. The layer of material can be a thermoplastic material, metal foil, cellulosic film, woven, paper and/or nonwoven. The perforations can be slits, with each slit having a length of no more than about 120 mils (3.0 mm). The total open orifice area of perforations can be in the range of about 0.1 mm2 to about 100 mm2 per square centimeter of the total surface area of the micro-perforated laminae. The two surfaces of the micro-perforated laminae may be surface treated to alter surface energy. The micro-perforated laminae can be used singularly or in combinations with multiple layers which in themselves may or may not contain micro-perforations and surface treatments.

Abstract: A formulation, and a process for making same, is disclosed which is useful as a coating or treatment for imparting oil and grease resistance to an underlying substrate. The formulation does not contain any fluorochemicals. At the same time, however, the formulation provides oil and grease resistance properties that are equivalent to known coatings and treatments which contain fluorochemicals, particularly those coatings which are permitted to come into direct contact with food products. Therefore, the formulation of the present invention is ideal for use as a coating for paper and paperboard, including paper packaging such as that utilized in food wrappers, food containers, food receptacles and the like, and for other shaped articles. The formulation is also useful as a coating or treatment for providing release properties to an underlying substrate without the use of silicone.

Abstract: A process for producing artificial fibers without significant fiber surface hydrolysis from waste cellulose acetate continuous filament or filter rods which can then be used in the manufacture of specific paper products. Waste cellulose acetate fibers generated during filament manufacture or cigarette manufacture as off quality production is used for rendering the into a form suitable for specific paper manufacture. Paper products which comprise 1-10% of the subject fiber as part of the pulp furnish is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process of forming a perforated packaging film with simultaneous liquid retention and gas/vapor venting characteristics, including the steps of forming a polyolefin film, perforating the film with perforations being either slits having a length of no more than 100 mils or holes having a diameter of no more than about 5 mils, and spacing the perforations from each other so that the total open orifice area is no greater than 20 mils/in2.

Abstract: A formulation, and a process for making same, is disclosed which is useful as a coating or treatment for imparting oil and grease resistance to an underlying substrate. The formulation does not contain any fluorochemicals. At the same time, however, the formulation provides oil and grease resistance properties that are equivalent to known coatings and treatments which contain fluorochemicals, particularly those coatings which are permitted to come into direct contact with food products. Therefore, the formulation of the present invention is ideal for use as a coating for paper and paperboard, including paper packaging such as that utilized in food wrappers, food containers, food receptacles and the like, and for other shaped articles. The formulation is also useful as a coating or treatment for providing release properties to an underlying substrate without the use of silicone.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing a fibrillated cellulose acetate fiber comprising contacting cellulose acetate fiber with a strong base solution at conditions sufficient to remove greater than about 5% of bulk acetyl groups from said cellulose acetate fiber. Modified cellulose acetate staple fiber comprising an outer layer of regenerated cellulose in which at least about 5% of the acetyl groups are removed on an overall fiber basis are also disclosed. Paper products incorporating said fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for treating filter rods comprising cellulose acetate tow waste comprising the steps of:a. cutting said filter rods so that fiber of said cellulose acetate have a fiber length of less than about 4 inches; andb. treating said cut filter rods with an aqueous base until at least 5% of acetyl groups on said cellulose acetate has been hydrolyzed.Filter rods treated in this manner are suitable for use in various paper products. The process of the present invention may further include a step for repulping the cut filter rods to repulp any included plugwrap.Modified fiber comprising cellulose acetate wherein at least 5% of acetyl groups on said cellulose acetate have been hydrolyzed, said fiber having a length of less than about 4 inches, are also disclosed.Paper products comprising between about 5 and about 90% of the fiber of claim 21 and paper pulp are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic film is comprised of an admixture of 20 to 85 weight percent cellulose ester fibers and 80 to 15 weight percent cellulose fibers and a functional amount of a cellulose ester plasticizer. The film has an opacity in the range of 10 to 85 percent, a thickness in the range of 0.002 to 0.010 inch, a porosity in the range of 0.0 to 50 ml/min/cm.sup.2 at a 1.0 centibar pressure drop and a compostability of less than 65 days fragmentation. The film is prepared by making a paper comprised of 20 to 85 weight percent cellulose ester fibers and 80 to 15 weight percent cellulose fibers and saturating the paper with a functional amount of a cellulose ester plasticizer. The saturated paper is subjected to heat and pressure for a period of time to obtain the thermoplastic film. The thermoplastic film is prepared without the use of solvents and is economically attractive since it is compatible with conventional paper printing materials and techniques.

Abstract: A composition of paper comprising 99 to 10 weight percent cellulose fibers and 1 to 90 weight percent cored cellulose fibers that are uniformly dispersed within the paper. The cored cellulose fibers are composed of a cellulose sheath that is 4 to 15 weight percent of the weight of the fiber and a cellulose acetate core. The cored cellulose fibers contain no substantial crimp and have an average length of 1 to 7 mm, a density of 1.20 to about 1.35 gm/cc, a denier 1 to 30 grams per 9,000 meters and a uniform dispersion index of less than 0.15.

Abstract: A process to prepare cellulose acetate fibers useful for preparation of paper products. This process includes(A) tensioning a running band of cellulose acetate filter tow,(B) contacting the tensioned tow with water,(C) removing water from the tow,(D) drying the tow,(E) cutting the dried tow into lengths, and(F) packaging the cut tow.

Abstract: An improved tobacco filter or plug wrap is made by calendering ultraporous paper. The calendering process reduces surface irregularities, reduces the thickness of the paper, and reduces the porosity. In general, during the calendering step, the ultraporous paper should be reduced in thickness from about 0.1 mils. to about 2.5 mils.