Abstract: A method of treating a solvent in a wood processing operation is described. A first organic compound is extracted from an aqueous solution with a solvent. Then, the solvent is contacted with an alkali solution to remove a second organic compound from the solvent. For example, the first organic compound may be acetic acid and the second organic compound may be lignin. In another embodiment, a liquid-liquid extraction solvent used to extract acetic acid from an aqueous solution is rejuvenated by contacting the solvent with an alkali solution to remove a second organic compound from the solvent. The rejuvenated solvent is then recycled for further liquid-liquid extraction.

Abstract: Wood pulp is bleached using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidative bleaching agent in the presence of magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide. The bleaching process is carried out in the presence of magnesium hydroxide as the predominant, and preferably essential, source of alkali. The process optionally includes transition metal chelants, such as DTPA or EDTA in the bleaching slurry. The process eliminates the need for added caustic and silicate in such systems and can be carried out at or near neutral pH of 5.0 to 8.5.

Abstract: A starch composition is made by cooking a starch and combining the cooked starch with a polymer, the polymer containing anionic groups or potential anionic groups. Another starch composition is made by combining a starch with a polymer, the polymer containing anionic groups or potential anionic groups, and cooking the combined starch and polymer composition. A dry starch composition, suitable for forming an additive for a paper furnish, includes a starch and a polymer containing anionic groups or potential anionic groups. Methods of making the starch composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A starch composition is made by cooking a starch and combining the cooked starch with a polymer, the polymer containing anionic groups or potential anionic groups. Another starch composition is made by combining a starch with a polymer, the polymer containing anionic groups or potential anionic groups, and cooking the combined starch and polymer composition. A dry starch composition, suitable for forming an additive for a paper furnish, includes a starch and a polymer containing anionic groups or potential anionic groups. Methods of making the starch composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A starch composition is made by combining starch with a species which induces gelation, and cooking the starch before or after the combination, to produce a gel. The species which induces gelation is selected from the group consisting of the following species and combinations thereof: (a) one or more anionic, cationic or amphoteric inorganic colloidal species; (b) one or more species capable of ionic or coordination bonding; and (c) one or more species capable of hydrogen bonding. The invention also provides a dry starch composition suitable for forming an additive for a paper furnish. A method of making a starch composition is also provided.

Abstract: Wood pulp is bleached using hydrogen peroxide as the oxidative bleaching agent in the presence of magnesium hydroxide or magnesium oxide. The bleaching process is carried out in the presence of magnesium hydroxide as the predominant, and preferably essential, source of alkali. The process optionally includes transition metal chelants, such as DTPA or EDTA in the bleaching slurry. The process eliminates the need for added caustic and silicate in such systems and can be carried out at or near neutral pH of 5.0 to 8.5.