Abstract: A layered composite suitable for disintegration into superabsorbent cellulose fluff suitable for use as a core material in an absorbent product. The composite includes a wetlaid web of cellulosic fibers; a layer of superabsorber disposed on the wetlaid web; a drylaid cellulosic layer disposed on the superabsorber layer; wherein the layer of superabsorbent particles comprises greater than 50 percent by weight of the composite; and the drylaid cellulosic layer does not include a bonding agent.

Abstract: A light weight, low density absorbent structure suitable for use in disposable absorbent products which is formed from a fibrous web of cellulose and cellulose acetate fibers. The fibrous web is treated with a triacetin solvent and heat cured to bond the fibers. The absorbent structure has excellent structural integrity and an absorbent capacity and strength which is equal to or exceeds that of absorbent structures having twice the basis weight.

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: 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 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: 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: 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: A process for the recovery of a water soluble alcohol from an aqueous mixture of the alcohol comprises incorporating in the mixture at least about 0.5% of a base selected from the group consisting of ammonium or alkali or alkaline metal hydroxide, ammonium or an alkali or alkaline metal carbonate or mixtures thereof; and at least about 0.2% of an electrolyte. The aqueous-alcohol mixture separates into two immiscible layers, and the layers are separated.

Abstract: Strong, low basis weight, spontaneously dispersible sheets of modified cellulosic fibers. The sheets are prepared from modified cellulosic fibers such as cross-linked carboxymethyl cellulose or essentially acidic sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. Mixtures of modified fibers with unmodified fibers are also disclosed. The process of preparing the sheets comprises the steps of airlaying the fibers to form an airfelt, increasing the moisture content of the airfelt, and compacting the moisturized airfelt.