Abstract: A paper product containing hardwood fibers that are treated with certain hydrolytic enzymes, such as endo-glucanases, is provided. Moreover, the paper product includes other types of fibers, such as softwood fibers, that may also be treated with certain hydrolytic enzymes. In addition, other ingredients, such as cross-linking agents, debonders, strength agents, etc., can be applied to further enhance the properties of the paper product. In particular, paper products formed according to the present invention can be strong, soft, and have low lint and slough production.

Abstract: A solid marking composition that is erasable from both porous and non-porous marking susbtrates. The solid erasable marking composition comprises (a) an emulsion, the emulsion comprising a discontinuous polymeric phase and a continuous aqueous phase, the emulsion being characterized by its ability to be transformed, upon being contacted with the surface of a porous or non-porous marking substrate, from a first state in which the emulsion is stable to a second state in which the emulsion is unstable and the discontinuous polymeric phase rapidly agglomerates to form a deposit on the surface of the marking substrate with low adhesion thereto; (b) a colorant, the colorant being characterized by its association with the deposit when the emulsion is transformed into the second state; and (c) a shape-giving gel-forming agent, the shape-giving gel-forming agent being a salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having from 8 to 36 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An adhesive composition which undergoes a change from colored to colorless upon application to a substrate. The composition comprises a shape-giving base, the shape-giving base comprising a gel of a gel-forming salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having from about 8 to 36 carbon atoms with a cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, ammonia and lower alkylamines in an aqueous liquid selected from the group consisting of water and mixtures of water with water-miscible organic solvents. In a preferred embodiment, the aforementioned gel-forming salt of an aliphatic carboxylic acid is sodium stearate. The composition additionally includes an adhesive component selected from the group consisting of water-soluble and water dispersible adhesives. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive component is polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: A tab for adhesively securing and binding articles within looseleaf binders and like devices, where such articles cannot be conveniently provided with apparatus for engagement by the binder rings. The tab includes a central, apertured portion advantageously comprising bilaterally symmetric apertured sections separated by a central fold line, and wing portions, all adhesive-coated. The tab is prepared for use by folding the respective halves of the central tab portion against each other with apertures aligned. The tab may then be inserted in a binder ring, and the wings of the tab adhesively secured to the article to be bound. Advantageously a plurallity of such tabs are included in a tab stock, such tab stock including an adhesive coated tab substrate (preferably transparent) and backing sheet.