Abstract: A novel process for producing reactive, homogeneous, self-bondable lignocellulose fibers is provided in which individual, separate, lignocellulose fibers are oxidatively modified, employing oxidative reagent system. Pursuant to the teachings of the present invention, the oxidative modification step is conducted in a controlled manner, for example, employing a confrication step, using a liquid-phase reagent system, the subject product fibers, prior to sheet formation, being substantially free of residual oxidative reagent. Sheets are formed from the product fibers on subsequent bonding, employing mild formation conditions, the sheets having improved dry- and wet-strength properties.

Abstract: A process for producing organic acid esters of cellulose, in an efficient and rapid manner, which includes confricating cellulose in the presence of esterification chemicals, the confrication step providing the major driving force in conducting the esterification reaction.

Abstract: A process of preparing polymer fibers by adiabatically flashing an emulsion or dispersion of water or other suitable nonsolvent in molten polymer, the emulsion or dispersion including an emulsifying agent and a dispersing aid, at an elevated temperature and pressure through a narrow orifice into a region of reduced temperature and pressure. The water or other nonsolvent is present in an amount effective, in combination with the temperature and pressure employed, to cause the molten polymer to be disrupted and rapidly solidify in the form of high surface area, i.e., at least 1.0 m.sup.2 /gram, discrete fibers. The polymer is preferably a crystalline polymer. The nonsolvent employed should have a boiling point less than the melting point of the polymer, a critical temperature greater than the melting point of the polymer, a heat of vaporization greater than the heat of fusion of the polymer, and is substantially immiscible in the polymer at the temperature of flashing.

Abstract: A selective process for producing mercaptophenols is achieved by reducing the polysulfides which result from contacting phenols with sulfur chloride in a polar solvent reaction medium including a hydrogen chloride promoter, wherein the concentration of phenols is relatively dilute. The process selectivity promotes the sulfurization of phenols to polysulfides which are reducible to mercaptophenols.