Abstract: Cellulose derivatives are formed by first crosslinking cellulose and subsequently reacting the crosslinked cellulose with a reagent capable of forming a cellulose ether or ester. Many crosslinking agents are suitable but those forming ether linkages between cellulose chains are preferred. The crosslinking, in effect, increases the D.P of the cellulose so that wood celluloses are then suitable for forming compositions that previously could only be formed very high D.P celluloses; e.g., those derived from cotton linters.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described. The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable, water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described. The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable, water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described. The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable. water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: A modified cellulosic fiber having superabsorbent properties is described The modified fiber of the invention has a fibrous structure substantially identical to the cellulosic fiber from which it is derived. The modified fiber is a water-swellable, water-insoluble fiber that substantially retains its fibrous structure in its expanded, water-swelled state. The modified fiber is a sulfated and crosslinked cellulosic fiber having a liquid absorption capacity of at least about 4 g/g. In one embodiment, the modified fiber is an individual, crosslinked, sulfated cellulosic fiber. In another aspects, the invention provides a rollgood that includes the modified fiber, absorbent composites and articles that include the modified fiber, and methods for making the modified cellulosic fiber.

Abstract: A method for increasing filler retention of cellulosic fiber sheets is disclosed. In the method, cellulosic fibers with increased anionic sites are treated with either positively charged filler particles and/or amphoteric filler particles or a cationic retention aid and negatively charged filler particles and/or amphoteric filler particles. Cellulosic fiber sheets with retained filler particles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides molded bodies made from a treated kraft pulp, the pulp having a high hemicellulose content or at least 7% a low copper number of less than 2, and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) that has a range of 200 to 1100.

Abstract: The invention is lyocell fiber characterized by a pebbled surface as seen at high magnification and having a variable cross section and diameter along and between fibers. The fiber is produced by centrifugal spinning, melt blowing or its spunbonding variation. The fibers can be made in the microdenier range with average weights as low as one denier or less. The fibers have inherently low gloss and can be formed into tight yarns for making fabrics of very soft hand. Alternatively, the fibers can be formed into self bonded nonwoven fabrics.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for making a lyocell fiber by contacting an alkaline pulp having cellulose and at least about 7% hemicellulose under alkaline conditions with an amount of an oxidant sufficient to reduce the average degree of polymerization of the cellulose to the range of from about 200 to about 1100 without substantially reducing the hemicellulose content of the pulp or increasing the copper number and then forming fibers from the pulp.

Abstract: Cellulose containing dope is extruded through orifices and into a stream of gas moving in a direction generally parallel to the direction that the filaments are formed with varying degrees of mechanical attenuation provided to the filaments using a take-up device, such as a winder.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.). Further, the present invention provides processes for making compositions, useful for making lyocell fibers, having a high hemicellulose content, a low lignin content and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization. The present invention also provides lyocell fibers containing a high proportion of hemicellulose. Further, the lyocell fibers of the present invention have enhanced dye-binding properties and a reduced tendency to fibrillate.

Abstract: A lyocell nonwoven fabric having fibers characterized by pebbled surfaces and variable cross sections and diameters along the fibers and from fiber to fiber, is disclosed. The lyocell nonwoven fabric is produced by centrifugal spinning, melt blowing or spunbonding. The lyocell nonwoven fabric has fibers that can be made in the microdenier range with average weights as low as one denier or less. The lyocell nonwoven fabric has fibers with low gloss, a reduced tendency to fibrillate and have enhanced dye receptivity.

Abstract: A method of color printing on packaging containers using transparent colors is described. The method is limited to the use of no more than two of the primary process colors. For many images primary process colors are not needed at all. Preferably, only two transparent inks will be used. In some cases an opaque ink may be applied first as a masking image underlying a part or all of the transparent ink overprint. In other cases the opaque ink may be applied last as a masking print over part of the image. The method can be used on any substrate color but it is particularly useful on dyed papers or unbleached kraft brownboard. While color reproduction is not totally accurate, nor is this expected in a calorimetric sense, surprisingly attractive and realistic images generally faithful to the original are attainable.

Abstract: The invention is a shipping container blank whereby all surfaces and edges are sealed by an overlying a plastic film material. A container subsequently made from the blank is rendered highly water resistant. The film material is applied to both sides of the blank and severed from the supply source. The covered blank is then heated above the softening point of the film. The film becomes bonded to the surfaces of the blank and sags around the edges and into any openings so that the film on the two sides of the blank come into contact and are sealed to each other. The edges and any slits and cutouts are then trimmed, as by a die cutter, while preserving the seals along the edges. Containers made by the process can generally be recycled, in contrast to wax or resin impregnated corrugated board.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to lyocell fibers having a high hemicellulose content of at least 5%, a low lignin content as measured by a kappa number less than 2.0 and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) in the range of 200 to 1100. Further, the lyocell fibers of the present invention have enhanced dye-binding properties and a reduced tendency to fibrillate.

Abstract: The present invention provides lyocell fibers made from compositions having a high hemicellulose content of at least 5% by weight, a low kappa number of less than 2.0 and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) value of about 200 to 1,100, and a narrow molecular weight distribution ( R) of less than 2.8.

Abstract: The present invention provides lyocell films, having a high hemicellulose content of at least 5%, a low copper number of less than 2, and including cellulose that has a low average degree of polymerization (D.P.) in the range of about 200 to 1100.

Abstract: Acetobacter strains are identified as stable under agitated culture conditions and exhibit substantially reduced gluconic and keto-gluconic acids production. A method and media for producing bacterial cellulose under agitated culture conditions resulting in sustained production over an average of 70 hours of at least 0.1 g/liter per hour are achieved. A unique reticulated cellulose product is produced using the methods and conditions claimed, and may be converted to of a sheet characterized by substantial resistance to densification and great tensile strength when produced by sheet forming means. Preferred Acetobacter strains are ATCC Nos. 53264, 53263 and 53524.

Abstract: A multi-ply paperboard comprising at least one ply of conventional cellulose fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent; and at least one ply of chemically intrafiber crosslinked cellulosic high-bulk fibers and from about 0.1 to about 6 weight percent of a water-borne binding agent. The water-borne binding agent may be a starch, a modified starch, a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl acetate, a polyethylene/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylic acid polymer, a polyacrylate, a polyacrylamide, a polyamine, guar gum, an oxidized polyethylene, a polyvinyl chloride, a polyvinyl chloride/acrylic acid copolymer, an acrylonitrile/ butadiene/styrene copolymer or polyacrylonitrile. A method for making the paperboard is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for making a lyocell fiber by contacting an alkaline pulp having cellulose and at least about 7% hemicellulose under alkaline conditions with an amount of an oxidant sufficient to reduce the average degree of polymerization of the cellulose to the range of from about 200 to about 1100 without substantially reducing the hemicellulose content of the pulp or increasing the copper number and then forming fibers from the pulp.