Abstract: A device configured to provide a value indicative of fluorescent emission from a substrate 5 having a test region is provided. The device comprises an electromagnetic radiation source configured to emit excitation radiation towards the test region to excite fluorescent emission from a fluorescent material in the test region. The electromagnetic radiation source is configured such that a variation in intensity of the excitation radiation across the test region is less than 15%. The device further comprises a sensor configured to capture a primary 10 image of the fluorescent emission, and a controller configured to modify the primary image based on calibration data and to use the modified image to obtain the value indicative of the fluorescent emission.

Abstract: A process for preparing densified cellulose ester pellets with reduced clumping or taking comprises mixing a cellulose ester flake or powder and plasticizer to form a blend and directing the blend to a pellet mill. The densified pellets retain the mechanical properties of the cellulose ester flake or powder. An additive may be introduced to the blend or to the pellet mill to reduce downstream compounding steps. The pellets may be stored without clumping, thus reducing processing steps and increasing yield.

Abstract: Cellulose ester plastics may be formulated to have a depressed melt processing temperatures, improved heat resistance, increased mechanical stability, or some combination thereof. For example, in some instances, a cellulose ester plastic may include a plasticized cellulose ester at about 1% to about 99% by weight of the cellulose ester plastic, the plasticized cellulose ester consisting of a cellulose ester at about 60% to about 90% by weight of the plasticized cellulose ester and a plasticizer at about 10% to about 40% by weight of the plasticized cellulose ester, wherein the plasticizer comprises a carbonate ester, a polyol benzoate, or both; and a thermoplastic polymer at about 1% to about 99% by weight of the cellulose ester plastic; and wherein the cellulose ester plastic is melt processable.