Abstract: A process for improving the life of papermaking belts containing a cured photosensitive polymeric resin is disclosed. The process includes the use of a resin-swelling solvent (e.g., isopropyl alcohol) to deliver an effective amount of chemical compounds capable of slowing down the degradation rate of the photosensitive polymeric resin in the papermaking belt. The solvent delivery technique makes it possible to deliver useful quantities of chemical compounds to the resin containing papermaking belts that would not normally be possible to add because of their low direct solubility in the polymeric resin and/or process incompatibility. Preferably, the chemical compounds are antioxidants (e.g., hindered phenols) which inhibit or retard oxidation of the cured resin and its ensuing degradative effects.

Abstract: Tissue paper having a soft, silky, flannel-like tactile feel through incorporation of an effective amount of a chemical additive such as, for example, a polysiloxane. Preferably, less than about 2% of such a chemical additive on a dry fiber weight basis, is incorporated in the tissue paper: more preferably, only about 0.3% or less is so retained. Tissue paper embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a quantity of surfactant material to enhance softness and/or surface smoothness and/or wettability control; and/or a quantity of a binder material such as starch for linting control. For example, embodiments which would otherwise manifest a significant reduction in wettability due to incorporated chemical additives may further comprise sufficient surfactant to at least partially offset the reduction of wettability induced by the chemical additive: e.g., for tiolet tissue embodiments to be sufficiently wettable to be handled in contemporary sewage handling and disposal systems.

Abstract: Tissue paper having an enhanced tactile sense of softness through incorporation of an effective amount of a noncationic surfactant is disclosed. Preferably, less than about 2.0% of the noncationic surfactant, on a dry fiber weight basis, is incorporated in the tissue paper: more preferably, only about 1.0% or less is so retained. Tissue paper embodiments of the present invention may further contain a quantity of a binder material, such as starch, for linting control, and to increase paper strength.

Abstract: A paper structure having both high opacity and improved tensile strength through the incorporation of expanded fiber and an opacifying mineral pigment, such as titanium dioxide, is disclosed. The addition of expanded fiber to the paper structure makes it possible to increase the opacity of the paper through the use of the conventional mineral pigments without adversely affecting the paper's tensile strength. These opacified paper structures are especially useful for producing high quality, strong, light weight printing and writing papers which require material pigments for enhanced opacity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making soft tissue paper which includes the steps of wet-laying cellulose fibers to form a web, applying to the wet web, at a fiber consistency level of from about 10% to about 80%, a noncationic surfactant, and then drying and creping the web to form the finished tissue paper. The process may further include the steps of applying an effective quantity of a binder material, such as starch, to the wet web for linting control, and to contribute tensile strength to the tissue paper.

Abstract: Individualized, stiffened, twisted cellulosic fibers and absorbent structures made from such fibers. The fibers have an average dry fiber twist count of at least about 4.5 twist nodes per millimeter, an average wet fiber twist count of at least about 0.5 twist nodes per millimeter less than the dry fiber twist count, and a water retention value of between about 28% and about 50%. Preferably the fibers have an average wet fiber twist count of at least about 3.0 twist nodes per millimeter and an isopropyl alcohol retention value of less than about 30%.

Abstract: Individualized, crosslinked fibers made by (a) defibrating moistened, cellulosic fibers and at least partially drying the fibers under substantially unrestrained conditions, i.e., in the substantial absence of interfiber bonds (b) contacting the fibers with a crosslinking agent, (c) reacting the crosslinking agent with the fibers in the substantial absence of interfiber bonds, to form intrafiber crosslink bonds, (d) subjecting the fibers, while in a moistened condition, to a second defibration step, and then at least partially drying the fibers under substantially unrestrained conditions.

Abstract: A process for making wet-laid structures containing individualized, stiffened fibers. The wet-laid structures are obtained by: providing a slurry containing individualized, crosslinked fibers; depositing the slurry of fibers on a foraminous forming wire; directing at least one stream of fluid upon the fibers such that the fluid disperses flocculations of fibers and also inhibits the formation of additional flocculations of the fibers; and setting the fibers into a sheeted form while the fibers are in a substantially unflocculated condition. The step of setting the fibers into sheeted form may be performed by pressing the fibers against the forming wire with a screened roll, such as a cylindrical Dandy Roll. Preferably, a plurality of streams of fluid having sequentially decreasing volumetric flow rates are directed upon the fibers. The individualized, stiffened fibers may also be mixed with conventional, stiffened fibers or highly refined, stiffened fibers while in slurry form.

Abstract: A process for making individualized, crosslinked fibers having low levels of residual crosslinking agent. The fibers are made by contacting the fibers with a crosslinking agent; reacting the crosslinking agent with the fibers to form intrafiber crosslink bonds in the substantial absence of interfiber bonds; and washing the fibers with an alkaline solution.

Abstract: Individualized, crosslinked fiber, and process for making such fibers. The individualized, crosslinked fibers have between about 0.5 mole % and about 3.5 mole % crosslinking agent, calculated on a cellulose anhydroglucose molar basis, reacted with fibers in the form of intrafiber crosslink bonds, wherein the crosslinking agent is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehydes, C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehyde acid analogues having at least one aldehyde functionality, and oligomers of such C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehydes, and dialdehyde acid analogues. Preferably, the crosslinking agent is glutaraldehyde, and between about 0.75 mole % and about 2.5 mole % crosslinking agent react to form the intrafiber crosslink bonds. The individualized crosslinked fibers are useful in a variety of absorbent structure applications.

Abstract: Shelf-stable biodegradable fabric softening compositions are provided comprising mixtures of a quaternized ester-ammonium softening compound having the formula ##STR1## and mixtures thereof, wherein each R substituent is independently selected from C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl, alkenyl or hydroxyalkyl groups, R.sup.1 is a C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 hydrocarbyl group, R.sup.2 is a C.sub.13 -C.sub.21 hydrocarbyl group, and A.sup.- is a softener compatible anion; and a liquid carrier. These biodegradable compositions have improved product stability and dispersability, as well as excellent fabric softening characteristics.

Abstract: Absorbent structures containing individualized, crosslinked fibers. The individualized, crosslinked fibers preferably have between about 0.5 mole % and about 3.5 mole % crosslinking agent, calculated on a cellulose anhydroglucose molar basis, reacted with the fibers in the form of intrafiber crosslink bonds, wherein the crosslinking agent is selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehydes, C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehyde acid analogues having at least one aldehyde functionality, and oligomers of such C.sub.2 -C.sub.8 dialdehydes and dialdehyde acid analogues. More preferably, the crosslinking agent is glutaraldehyde, and between about 0.75 mole % and about 2.5 mole % crosslinking agent react to form the intrafiber crosslink bonds. Also preferably, the absorbent structures have actual dry densities greater than their corresponding equilibrium wet densities, and expand upon wetting. The absorbent structures may also contain hydrogel-forming material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing fabric softening compositions containing quarternized di-esters or di-isopropanol amines. When formulated using the disclosed procedure, including the use of narrowly-defined pH and temperature ranges, the resulting compositions are both biodegradable and storage stable.

Abstract: A natural chocolate flavor system having high chocolate flavor impact is disclosed. This system has: (1) a high level of cocoa solids; (2) a high level of a mixture of pyrazines; and (3) high ratios of certain dimethyl pyrazines to trimethyl and tetramethyl pyrazines. This chocolate flavor system is useful in formulating chocolate chips and chocolate coatings for storage-stable crisp and chewy cookies.

Abstract: Laundry detergent compositions containing a detergent surfactant, a detergent builder, and from about 0.1% to about 10% by weight ethylenediamine-N,N'-disuccinic acid or salts thereof are disclosed. These compositions provide enhanced removal of organic stains, such as food and beverage stains.

Abstract: Laundry detergent compositions, essentially free of peroxygen bleach compounds, containing a detergent surfactant, a detergent builder, and from about 0.3% to 10% by weight triethylenetetraminehexaacetic acid or salts thereof are disclosed. These compositions provide enhanced removal of organic stains, such as food and beverage stains.