Abstract: The present technology is directed to fluff pulps with improved odor control as well as methods of making such fluff pulps. A fluff pulp is provided that includes a bleached kraft fiber and a copper ion content from about 0.2 ppm to about 50 ppm by weight of the bleached kraft fiber. The bleached kraft fiber includes a length-weighted average fiber length of at least about 2 mm, a copper number of less than about 7, a carboxyl content of more than about 3.5 meq/100 grams; an ISO brightness of at least 80; and a viscosity from about 2 cps to about 9 cps.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an aramid pulp including polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), the method including the steps of: combining para-aramid short-cut with PVP in an aqueous solution to form a mixture, subjecting the mixture to a refining step to form a para-aramid pulp including PVP. It has been found that the process makes it possible to obtain a PVP pulp with improved dewatering properties and energy consumption in combination with a high PVP retention.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to use a coating liquid of a fine cellulose fiber (a natural material) and to form a coated layer which can be used as a various-functions layer such as a gas barrier layer and water vapor barrier layer etc. by achieving good adhesiveness and coatability of the coating liquid, and as a result, provides a laminated material in which temporal degradation of a substrate and the fine cellulose fiber layer is prevented. The laminated body includes a substrate, an anchor layer arranged on a surface the substrate, and a fine cellulose fiber layer containing a fine cellulose fiber having a carboxy group, wherein the anchor layer contains at least one resin having a carboxy group, sulfonate group, amino group or hydroxyl group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formed article, or more specifically a transparent substrate, which effectively utilizes a natural stuff and which has a low linear expansion coefficient, a high light transmittance and an appropriate level of moisture permeability. The transparent substrate includes at least an oxidized polysaccharide and has a linear expansion coefficient of 50 ppm/° C. or less at 30-150° C. and a light transmittance of 70% or more at 660 nm. Its manufacturing method includes an oxidation process in which cellulose reacts with TEMPO or its derivatives as a catalyst to be oxidized in water under the presence of a co-oxidant, along with a fiberizing process in which the oxidized cellulose is fiberized in water to form a cellulose fiber, and a substrate-forming process in which a transparent substrate is formed from a cellulose dispersion liquid containing the cellulose fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for attaching particulate additives to a population of cellulose fibers dispersed in an aqueous solution. The cellulose fibers are treated with an activator that forms complexes with them. The particulate additive is attached to a tether that is capable of interacting with the activator, thereby forming a tether-bearing particulate additive. The tether-bearing particulate additive can be added to the activated suspension of cellulose fibers. The resulting interaction between the tether and the activator forms durable complexes that attach the particulate additive to the cellulose fibers. Using these systems and methods, useful additives like starches can be attached to cellulose fibers, imparting advantageous properties such as increased strength to paper products formed thereby. These systems and methods are particularly useful for papermaking involving virgin pulp fibers, recycled fibers, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for producing market pulp which include treatment of pulp with diverse ionic compounds before pulp drying. Cationically and anionically charged compounds can be used to treat pulp before pulp drying to improve pulp dewatering performance and efficiency in the production of market pulp. Market pulp products containing the treatment compounds are also described.

Abstract: A method for production of calcium carbonate in a target suspension of a fibrous web forming process of a fibrous web machine, wherein the calcium carbonate is produced in a reactor, the method includes: injecting a chemical including carbon dioxide or lime milk through an injection mixer to the target suspension flowing through the reactor; allowing the chemical including to react while in the target suspension to form calcium carbonate crystals, and inhibiting precipitation of the chemical or a reaction product of the chemical on a surface of or in the reactor by application of an electric or magnetic field to or proximate to the surface along a region of the surface adjacent to the reaction involving the chemical.

Abstract: The invention relates to the making of a cellulosic fibrous structure by adding a waterborne shape memory polymer to cellulosic papermaking slurry and forming a web from the waterborne shape memory polymer containing slurry. The web can be optionally foreshortened.

Abstract: Microbial growth in an aqueous system containing borohydride residues is controlled by adding an aldehyde or aldehyde source, followed by adding an active halogen biocide. The active halogen biocide is preferably stabilized by an N-hydrogen compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ferromagnetic materials based on nano-sized bacterial cellulose templates. More specifically, the present invention provides an agglomerate free magnetic nanoparticle cellulose material and a method of forming such magnetic nanoparticle cellulose material. Further, the magnetic nonoparticles are physically attached on the cellulose material and evenly distribute.

Abstract: A method for feeding lime mud into a lime kiln including a rotary kiln shell having an interior between a first end wall and a second end wall, the method including: feeding the lime mud into a flue gas flow in the interior of the rotary kiln shell or in close proximity to the shell to pretreat the lime mud; separating the pretreated lime mud from the flue gas flow; conveying the separated lime mud into the lime kiln, and calcining the separated lime mud in the lime kiln.

Abstract: A method is conceived for producing hydrophobic lignocellulosics based on the graft copolymerisation of vinyl-type monomers onto the lignocellulosic backbone initiated by a redox couple initiator in aqueous medium. The green modification process can be carried out on any lignocellulosic material, for example, chemical, chemi-thermomechanical or thermo-mechanical pulps, bleached or unbleached. The technology disclosed in this invention yields individual lignocellulosic entities, for instance, hydrophobic pulp fibers, that can be used in combination with other fibers or polymers to produce nonwoven fibrous materials or composites. A significant aspect of the invention is that the modified lignocellulosic material possesses an efficient hydrophobic barrier and minimum interfacial energy to generate optimum adhesion when introduced to polymer resins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for easily and efficiently manufacturing microfibrous cellulose composite sheets. The present invention is a method for manufacturing microfibrous cellulose composite sheets, including a preparation process in which a polymer emulsion is mixed with an aqueous suspension including microfibrous cellulose, thereby preparing a mixed fluid, a papermaking process in which the mixed fluid is dehydrated on a porous base material through filtration, and a sheet including moisture is formed, and a drying process in which the sheet including moisture is heated and dried. In addition, the present invention is a method for manufacturing a microfibrous cellulose composite sheet laminate, in which the microfibrous cellulose sheets are thermally compressed and thus laminated as they are or after being provided with a polymer layer on at least one surface thereof.

Abstract: Methods are provided for altering the tack of an adhesive material by contacting the adhesive material with an amount of a cyclodextrin compound effective to reduce the tack of the adhesive material. In a preferred embodiment, the method is for altering the tack of adhesive contaminants in a process fluid, which includes the steps of providing a process fluid in which are dispersed contaminant particles which comprises one or more adhesive materials (such as pitch, pressure sensitive adhesives, hot melts, latexes, binders, and combinations thereof); and adding to the process an amount of a cyclodextrin compound effective to reduce the tack of the adhesive material. The process fluid can be in a process stream in a pulp and paper mill.

Abstract: A method of curing cementitious material comprising added a carboxylated bleached wood pulp fiber to the material during mixing. The fiber has a carboxyl content of from 10 to 70 meq/100 g cellulose fiber. The fibers are 0.1 to 5% by weight of the dry weight of the cementitious material. The structure produced by the method. The autogenous shrinkage of the cementitious material is reduced.

Abstract: Conductive nonwoven webs are disclosed. The nonwoven webs contain pulp fibers combined with conductive fibers. In one embodiment, the webs are made in a wetlaid tissue or paper making process. The pulp fibers contained in the webs may comprise softwood fibers, while the conductive fibers may comprise carbon fibers. Base webs can be produced having a resistance of less than about 100 Ohms/square in one embodiment. Once produced, the conductive material can be cut into slits that are then wound on spools. From the spools, the conductive slits can be fed into a process for making any suitable product.

Abstract: A soft, layered, single-ply wet-pressed tissue can be made with improved softness by providing one or both outer layers of the tissue with polysiloxane-treated pulp fibers. A particularly suitable wet-pressing process includes pressing a wet tissue web between a felt and a transfer belt to dewater the web, followed by transfer of the dewatered web to a texturizing fabric where the wet web is provided with a three-dimensional texture. Thereafter the texturized web is transferred to a Yankee dryer, dried and creped. The combination of the polysiloxane fibers and the texturizing step provides a particularly effective combination of surface feel, low stiffness and high bulk (caliper).

Abstract: An absorbent paper sheet for tissue or towel includes from about 99 percent to about 70 percent by weight of cellulosic papermaking fiber and from about 1 percent to about 30 percent by weight fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber which was regenerated form a cellulosic dope utilizing a tertiary amine N-oxide solvent or an ionic liquid.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of producing paper-based materials are disclosed. In general, the techniques utilize an amine-containing polymer, such as chitosan, to functionalize one or more components of a mixture used to form materials such as paper-based materials. Such components can include the fibers of a pulp and/or filler particles. In one instance, either the pulp or the filler particles are functionalized, but not both. Such functionalization can improve the qualifies of a paper-based material relative to when such functionalization is not utilized. Techniques and compositions are also described to further improve the qualities of a paper material by utilizing a complementary polymer which can couple with the amine-containing polymer.

Abstract: An absorbent paper sheet for tissue or towel includes from about 99 percent to about 70 percent by weight of cellulosic papermaking fiber and from about 1 percent to about 30 percent by weight fibrillated regenerated cellulose microfiber which was regenerated form a cellulosic dope utilizing a tertiary amine N-oxide solvent or an ionic liquid.

Abstract: A method of making absorbent cellulosic sheet with increased wet/dry CD tensile ratio includes treating the fiber at high consistency with debonder in a pulper, for example. The process enables the use of large amounts of debonder in a wet-press process in order to achieve wet/dry CD tensile ratios of greater than 30%.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing paper by means of layer-by-layer nanocoating techniques. The method comprises the sequential processing of an aqueous pulp of lignocellulose fibers which is first subjected to nanocoating by alternatively adsorbing onto the fibers multiple consecutively-applied layers of oppositely-charged nanoparticles, polymers and/or proteins thereby making a modified aqueous pulp of multi-layer nanocoated lignocellulose fibers, then draining the water out of the modified pulp to form sheets of multi-layer nanocoated fibers, and drying the formed sheets of multi-layer nanocoated fibers. The resulting dried sheets are then processed to make a finished paper that has superior physical strength and improved surface properties.

Abstract: A paperboard including a solid bleached sulfate paperboard substrate and a coating applied to the paperboard substrate to form a coated structure, the coated structure having a basis weight, a caliper thickness and a Parker Print Surf smoothness, the Parker Print Surf smoothness being at most about 3 microns, the basis weight being at most about Y1 pounds per 3000 ft2, wherein Y1 is a function of the caliper thickness (X) in points and is calculated as follows: Y1=3.79+13.43X?0.1638X2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of texturized microcrystalline cellulose from raw pulp material. This texturized microcrystalline cellulose can then be used for surface treatment of paper or paper board. Additionally, the texturized microcrystalline cellulose may be used as a starting material for production of paper or paper board.

Abstract: A method for adhering superabsorbent particles to cellulose fibers, comprising optionally treating cellulose treated with a hydrophilic polysaccharide polymer with a crosslinking agent in water to provide a first aqueous mixture; adding a plurality of superabsorbent particles to the first aqueous suspension to provide a second aqueous mixture; and mixing the second aqueous mixture with a water-miscible solvent to provide cellulose fibers having superabsorbent particles adhered thereto.

Abstract: A method for making a fibrous composite, comprising blending a carboxyalkyl cellulose and a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer in water to provide an aqueous solution; treating the aqueous solution with a first crosslinking agent to provide a gel; drying the gel to provide a solid; comminuting the solid to provide a plurality of particles; combining at least a portion of the plurality of particles with an aqueous suspension comprising cellulose treated with a galactomannan polymer or a glucomannan polymer, and optionally a second crosslinking agent, to provide a mixture; and mixing the mixture with a water-miscible solvent to provide a fibrous composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cross-linked cellulosic fiber having improved absorbency characteristics when compared to conventional cross-linked fibers. The cross-linked cellulosic fiber is obtainable by reacting pulp in the sheet or fluff form with one or more reagents selected from organic molecule having acid and aldehyde functional groups “acid aldehydes.” The invention also relates to a method of producing the cross-linked fiber. The method includes heating the treated cellulosic fibers to promote intrafiber cross-linking. The cross-linked fibers are characterized by having an improved centrifuge retention capacity, fluid acquisition rate, resiliency, absorbent capacity, absorbency under load, and other absorbent properties. The inventive cross-linked fibers are useful in forming absorbent composites, and in particular absorbent cores for use in absorbent articles.

Abstract: Methods are provided for creating covalent bonding of webs by combining cellulosic fibers having a carboxyl content approximately greater than 7 meq/100 g with one or more crosslinking agents. In a first step, a carboxyl group is placed onto a fiber. In an embodiment, the fiber is then reacted with an oxazoline-functional polymer which has been combined with a polycarboxylate compound. Heat is applied to the treated web, and this enables formation of a cross-linked bridge in the form of a covalent bond. In an embodiment, the covalent bonding of the carboxylated cellulose pulp webs utilizes oxazoline-functional polymers and polyacrylic acid. The oxazoline polymer in combination with polyacrylic acid should form a network polymer with covalent bonds to the cellulose carboxyl groups. The non-woven web may be strengthhened by covalent bonding, thereby improving overall wet/dry strength of the final product.

Abstract: A cellulose fiber having extended biostability and the method of its manufacture are described. While prior treatments of cellulose with biotoxic metal compounds have given improved resistance to decay, these treatments have not been entirely satisfactory where the fiber had to be refined before use. Refining energy was very high and fiber length loss was substantial. Treatment of cellulose fiber with dideyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) or bromide (DDAB), these materials in combination with low levels of copper, or low levels of copper alone, has given a product with very good biostability without a major increase in refining energy or loss of fiber length. The treated fiber is particularly advantageous as a reinforcing component for cement board products.

Abstract: A cellulose fiber having extended biostability and the method of its manufacture are described. While prior treatments of cellulose with biotoxic metal compounds have given improved resistance to decay, these treatments have not been entirely satisfactory where the fiber had to be refined before use. Refining energy was very high and fiber length loss was substantial. Treatment of cellulose fiber with dideyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) or bromide (DDAB), these materials in combination with low levels of copper, or low levels of copper alone, has given a product with very good biostability without a major increase in refining energy or loss of fiber length. The treated fiber is particularly advantageous as a reinforcing component for cement board products.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing cross-linked cellulosic fibers. A sheet of mercerized cellulosic fibers with a purity of at least 95% is treated with a solution containing a carboxylic acid cross-linking agent. The treated cellulosic fibrous material is dried and cured in sheet form to promote intrafiber cross-linking. Cross-linked fiber products produced are economic and possess good porosity, bulking characteristics, wet resiliency, absorption characteristics, low fines, low nits and low knots. The invention also includes blended cellulose compositions comprising a minor proportion of cross-linked mercerized cellulosic fibers and a major proportion of other cellulosic fibers. The invention further provides individualized, chemically cross-linked mercerized cellulosic fibers of high purity.

Abstract: A cellulosic pulp, method of producing the pulp, and associated paper product produced therefrom produced by providing mercerized cellulosic fibers and depositing a hemicellulose coating upon the mercerized fibers. The hemicellulose is deposited upon the fibers by combining a hemicaustic solution with the mercerized fibers in the presence of an acidifying agent. When formed into a paper sheet, the invented fibers form a highly porous paper having improved strength and reduced dusting.

Abstract: A method of continuously loading fibers in a fiber suspension with calcium carbonate. The fibers include a fiber wall surrounding a lumen. A reactant solid in the form of calcium oxide and/or calcium hydroxide is mixed into the fiber suspension with a resultant initial process pH of between 11 and 12. The fiber suspension is transported at a consistency of between approximately 15 and 30% into an inner chamber of a closed reactor. A reactant gas is injected into the reactor, whereby the reactor is pressurized to a pressure between 5 and 150 psi. A temperature of the fiber suspension within the reactor is controlled at a range between ?10° C. and 80° C. The fibers within the fiber suspension are loaded with calcium carbonate as a result of a chemical reaction between the reactant solid and the reactant gas in the reactor over a predetermined reaction time.

Abstract: A cellulose fiber having extended biostability and the method of its manufacture are described. While prior treatments of cellulose with biotoxic metal compounds have given improved resistance to decay, these treatments have not been entirely satisfactory where the fiber had to be refined before use. Refining energy was very high and fiber length loss was substantial. Treatment of cellulose fiber with didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) or bromide (DDAB), these materials in combination with low levels of copper, or low levels of copper alone, has given a product with very good biostability without a major increase in refining energy or loss of fiber length. The treated fiber is particularly advantageous as a reinforcing component for cement board products.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of fiber stock for the production of paper or cardboard, including the steps of: a) Supplying fibers in the form of a suspension that has a predetermined solids content, b) Loading of the fibers with a precipitation product, without refining the stock, c) Refining of the fibers after completion of the loading process, in order to improve the freeness value and/or to alter the fiber characteristics, and d) Transporting of the fiber stock suspension in direction of the paper machine.

Abstract: A cellulose fiber having extended biostability and the method of its manufacture are described. While prior treatments of cellulose with biotoxic metal compounds have given improved resistance to decay, these treatments have not been entirely satisfactory where the fiber had to be refined before use. Refining energy was very high and fiber length loss was substantial. Treatment of cellulose fiber with didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) or bromide (DDAB), these materials in combination with low levels of copper, or low levels of copper alone, has given a product with very good biostability without a major increase in refining energy or loss of fiber length. The treated fiber is particularly advantageous as a reinforcing component for cement board products.

Abstract: Process for manufacture of cellulose mouldings, such as fibres, filaments, or films, from TCF-bleached or ECF-bleached cellulose, in which the bleached cellulose is dissolved in an aqueous tertiary aminoxide to form a mouldable cellulose, the cellulose solution deforms, and the moulding comes into being by coagulation of the deformed solution, characterized in that, to reduce the cellulose decomposition in the process, TCF-bleached cellulose is used comprising carboxyl group content in the range from 1 to 35 ?mol/g or an ECF-bleached cellulose with carboxyl group content in the range from 1 to 50 ?mol/g. Cellulose mouldings having a reduced cellulose decomposition may be formed by said process.

Abstract: A device treats a fiber stock suspension with at least one additive, the fiber stock suspension being used for production of at least one of paper and cardboard. The fiber stock suspension includes a suspension medium and a fiber material. The fiber material has fiber surfaces, the fiber surfaces being moistened by the suspension medium. The device includes a fluffer having an inlet for receiving at least one of the fiber stock suspension and the at least one additive. The fluffer is coupled to the inlet, the fluffer being configured for separating the fiber material and enlarging a specific surface of the fiber surfaces.

Abstract: A filler comprising cellulose or lignocellulose fibrils on which light-scattering material particles have been deposited, and a process for the manufacture thereof. In the filler according to the invention, an alkyl derivative of cellulose, such as CMC, has been sorbed to the fibrils. Such a filler can be prepared from a source material containing cellulose or lignocellulose fibrils by first forming a fibril suspension, into which there are fed source materials forming an inorganic or organic salt that, when precipitating, forms a light-scattering pigment. The filler according to the invention has very good strength properties; in particular, good bond strength is achieved by means of it. The concentration of mineral pigment in paper can be increased and, furthermore, the grammage of paper can be lowered without the other important properties of the paper deteriorating.

Abstract: There is provided a photocatalytic pulp composition having the antibacterial, bad smell degrading and harmful substance oxidatively degrading effects in various wide uses such as a filter material, packaging material, building material. A photocatalytic pulp composition is effectively used in the air treatment, the water treatment and the soil treatment and improves the photocatalytic activity effect itself. There is provided a photocatalytic pulp composition characterized in that 40 to 95 wt % of a pulp and/or a paper having the water content of 3 wt % or less, the average fiber diameter of 5 to 300 ?m and the average fiber length of 0.7 to 70 mm is blended with 5 to 60 wt % of titanium oxide. A photocatalytic pulp composition is provided in which 25 to 100 wt % of a thermoplastic resin is blended relative to the total weight of titanium oxide with a pulp and/or a paper blended at the above ratio.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for preparing cross-linked cellulosic fibers. A sheet of mercerized cellulosic fibers with a purity of at least 95% is treated with a solution containing a carboxylic acid cross-linking agent. The treated cellulosic fibrous material is dried and cured in sheet form to promote intrafiber cross-linking. Cross-linked fiber products produced are economic and possess good porosity, bulking characteristics, wet resiliency, absorption characteristics, low fines, low nits and low knots. The invention also includes blended cellulose compositions comprising a minor proportion of cross-linked mercerized cellulosic fibers and a major proportion of other cellulosic fibers. The invention further provides individualized, chemically cross-linked mercerized cellulosic fibers of high purity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for stabilizing the pH of a pulp suspension with buffering agents and to a process for producing paper from a stabilized pulp suspension. The alkalinity of the pulp suspension is increased by a combination of an alkali metal hydroxide feed and a carbon dioxide feed. Said feeds provide a significant buffering effect which stablilizes the pH of said pulp suspension for the paper making process.

Abstract: Pulp fibers can be treated with water insoluble chemical additives resulting in a minimal amount of unretained water insoluble chemical additives present after redispersing the treated pulp fibers in the process water. One embodiment of the present invention is a method for preparing chemically treated pulp fiber. A fiber slurry is created comprising process water and pulp fibers. The fiber slurry is transported to a web-forming apparatus of a pulp sheet machine thereby forming a wet fibrous web. The wet fibrous web is dried to a predetermined consistency thereby forming a dried fibrous web. The dried fibrous web is treated with a water insoluble chemical additive thereby forming a chemically treated dried fibrous web containing chemically treated pulp fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is a tissue product comprising at least one tissue sheet. Each tissue sheet comprises a first side and an opposing second side. At least one tissue sheet comprises selectively treated pulp fiber treated with at least one hydrophobic chemical additive distributed non-uniformly in the z-direction within the tissue sheet. The tissue sheet has a % z-directional hydrophobic chemical additive gradient between the first side of the tissue sheet and the second side of the tissue sheet of about 20% or greater.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading fibers in a fiber suspension with calcium carbonate has a housing with an inlet and an accept outlet. A rotatable distribution member is positioned within the housing. A rotor and stator assembly is positioned within the housing radially outside of the distribution member. A toothed ring is interposed between the distribution rotor and the rotor and stator assembly. The toothed ring and the rotor and stator assembly define a gas ring therebetween. A reactant gas supply is fluidly coupled with the gas ring. A method for loading fibers in a fiber suspension with calcium carbonate can be practiced with the apparatus, The method controls various factors and provides low shear treatment of the suspension to promote selective crystal formation.

Abstract: Methods of making paper or paperboard are described. In one method, at least one cellulytic enzyme composition and at least one cationic polymer composition are introduced to a paper making pulp at about the same time to form a treated pulp. The pulp may also be treated with at least one cationic starch. The resulting pulp is formed into a sheet of pulp. Other paper making processes are also described. A paper making apparatus is also described for carrying out the methods. Paper and paperboard made according to the methods are also described.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to pulp fibers suitable for forming a wet-laid paper product which include amino-functionality which is non-extractable in an aqueous phase. The pulp fibers may be prepared by applying an amino-functional additive to a fibrous web prior to the finishing operation at a pulp mill. The fibrous web may then be repulped at a papermaking machine to form a paper web which includes the amino-functionalized fibers of the present invention. A paper web formed of the amino-functionalized fibers may display unique and/or improved reactivity toward certain papermaking additives.

Abstract: For a process and an apparatus for loading fibers contained in a pulp suspension with calcium carbonate, a calcium oxide and/or a medium containing calcium hydroxide is fed to the pulp suspension, and the so treated pulp suspension is further charged in several reactors with pure carbon dioxide or a medium containing carbon dioxide. The reactors can be connected in series and/or in parallel.

Abstract: This invention discloses a new technology related to cellulose fiber reinforced cement composite materials using the loaded cellulose fibers. This invention discloses four aspects of the technology: fiber treatment, formulation, method and final product. This technology advantageously provides fiber cement building materials with the desirable characteristics of reduced water absorption, reduced rate of water absorption, lower water migration, and lower water permeability. This invention also impart the final products improved freeze-thaw resistance, reduced efflorescence, reduced chemical dissolution and re-deposition, and improved rot and fire resistances, compared to conventional fiber cement products. These improved attributes are gained without loss in dimensional stability, strength, strain or toughness.

Abstract: A cationic cellulosic fibre containing between 1 and 30 cationic groups and between 0.1 and 20 aldehyde groups per 100 anhydroglucose units is a suitable basis for producing paper and tissue products without the necessity of using non-biodegradable cationic polymers as wet strength additives. The cationic cellulosic fibre can be obtained by oxidation of the fibre to introduce aldehyde groups, followed by reaction of part of the aldehyde groups with a nitrogen-containing reagent such as betaine hydrazide hydrochloride. The fibre is advantageously combined with an anionic polymer such as monoaldehyde carboxyl-starch or with anionic cyclodextrin.