Abstract: A process for producing a crosslinked cellulose ether including the steps of (i) contacting at least one cellulose material with a mixture comprising (ia) at least one crosslinking agent and (ib) at least one alkalization reagent to form an activated cellulose material; and (ii) contacting the activated cellulose material of step (i) with at least one etherification reagent; wherein the at least one etherification reagent reacts with the activated cellulose material to form the crosslinked cellulose ether; and a crosslinked cellulose ether produced by the above process.

Abstract: A process for producing a crosslinked cellulose ether including the steps of: (a) contacting at least one cellulose material with at least one alkalization reagent to form an activated cellulose material; (b) contacting the activated cellulose material of step (a) with at least one etherification reagent to form an uncrosslinked cellulose ether; (c) subjecting the cellulose ether of step (b) to a simultaneous or stepwise washing and/or granulating step; (d) adding at least one crosslinking agent to the uncrosslinked cellulose ether during the washing and/or granulating of step (c) to form a crosslinked cellulose ether; and (e) any other optional components desired; and a crosslinked cellulose ether produced by the above process.

Abstract: A process for producing a crosslinked cellulose ether including contacting an activated cellulose material with (i) an aqueous crosslinking agent emulsion, wherein the aqueous crosslinking agent emulsion is a mixture of (ia) at least one crosslinking agent; (ib) water; and (ic) any other optional components desired; and (ii) at least one etherification reagent; wherein the aqueous crosslinking agent emulsion (i) and the at least one etherification reagent (ii) react with the activated cellulose material to form the crosslinked cellulose ether; and a crosslinked cellulose ether produced by the above process.