Abstract: According to the present invention, there is a methylcellulose having a methoxy substitution of about 21 to about 42 percent based upon the weight of the cellulose ether and elastic modulus (EM) of EM≧181.3×(v0.2711) wherein “v” is viscosity of a two percent solution of the cellulose ether at 20° C. Further described is a process for making the cellulose ether, a food composition containing it, and a pharmaceutical capsule containing it.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is a methylcellulose having a methoxy substitution of about 21 to about 42 percent based upon the weight of the cellulose ether and elastic modulus (EM) of EM≧181.3×(v0.2711) wherein “v” is viscosity of a two percent solution of the cellulose ether at 20° C. Further described is a process for making the cellulose ether, a food composition containing it, and a pharmaceutical capsule containing it.

Abstract: An improved process for surface treating water soluble cellulosic polymers with crosslinking agents to provide products which are more readily dispersible in cold water, and have longer viscosity delay times than can be achieved with polymers treated in low intensity mixers, such as ribbon blenders, comprising distributing the crosslinking agent using a continuous, high intensity mixer, followed by heating to facilitate surface crosslinking. This process also allows for a reduced level of crosslinking chemicals to be used.

Abstract: A process for recovering salable cellulose ether solids in an aqueous slurry from a reactor wherein such cellulose ether solids are produced, or in an aqueous slurry from a centrifuge or filter wherein a portion of the cellulose ether solids from the reactor have been removed, comprising flowing the slurry into a hydraulic cyclone at a temperature above the gel point of the cellulose ether solids in such slurry and under conditions which are tailored to the particular cellulose ether solids in the slurry and to the process by which these have been made.