Abstract: Provided are barrier films, packaging products including barrier films, and methods of making paper/packaging products including barrier films. The barrier films can have antimicrobial properties and can include nanofibrillated cellulose treated with hemp extractives. The nanofibrillated cellulose can be obtained from autohydrolysed hemp pulp. The antimicrobial packaging products or paper products can be made by obtaining pulp fibers from autohydrolyzed hemp hurds, mechanically grinding the pulp fibers to obtain nanofibrillated cellulose, solvent casting the nanofibrillated cellulose films in an aqueous system, treating the nanofibrillated cellulose films with hemp extractives, and applying the hemp extractive treated films to a substrate.

Abstract: A novel modified thermoplastic starch is manufactured from a native starch using a polysaccharide produced by the fungus species Ophiostoma ulmi, by growing a culture in a yeast extract medium; adding the native starch; mixing, and harvesting the modified thermoplastic starch. The modified thermoplastic starch may be used in the manufacture of a biodegradable plastic which exhibits low water absorbency and high tensile strength. The plastic may be used to manufacture films or molding products by casting, extrusion, injection, or compression techniques.

Abstract: A novel modified thermoplastic starch is manufactured from a native starch using a polysaccharide produced by the fungus species Ophiostoma ulmi, by growing a culture in a yeast extract medium; adding the native starch; mixing, and harvesting the modified thermoplastic starch. The modified thermoplastic starch may be used in the manufacture of a biodegradable plastic which exhibits low water absorbency and high tensile strength. The plastic may be used to manufacture films or moulding products by casting, extrusion, injection, or compression techniques.

Abstract: A preventative treatment for Dutch elm disease is disclosed which provides susceptible elm trees with induced resistance to Dutch elm disease-causing fungi such as Ophiostoma ulmi. The treatment comprises administering to a susceptible elm tree an amount of an elicitor effective to cause a defence reaction in the tree. The defence reaction comprises a cascade of events including accumulation by the tree of mansonones, which are sesquiterpene quinones having antifungal properties. The preferred elicitor for use as a treatment for Dutch elm disease is a novel elicitor isolated from cultures of O. ulmi. The preferred elicitor is non-toxic and heat stable and is shown to be effective for inducing resistance to Dutch elm disease in susceptible elm trees.

Abstract: A preventative treatment for wilt diseases in trees is disclosed which provides susceptible trees with induced resistance to wilt disease-causing organisms. The treatment comprises administering to a susceptible tree an amount of an elicitor effective to cause a defence reaction in the tree. The preferred elicitor for use as a treatment for Dutch elm disease and Fire Blight Disease is a novel elicitor isolated from cultures of Ophiostoma ulmi. The preferred elicitor is non-toxic and heat stable and is shown to be effective for inducing resistance to Dutch Elm Disease and Fire Blight Disease and in susceptible trees.

Abstract: A preventative treatment for Dutch elm disease is disclosed which provides susceptible elm trees with induced resistance to Dutch elm disease-causing fungi such as Ophiostoma ulmi. The treatment comprises administering to a susceptible elm tree an amount of an elicitor effective to cause a defence reaction in the tree. The defence reaction comprises a cascade of events including accumulation by the tree of mansonones, which are sesquiterpene quinones having antifungal properties. The preferred elicitor for use as a treatment for Dutch elm disease is a novel elicitor isolated from cultures of O. ulmi. The preferred elicitor is non-toxic and heat stable and is shown to be effective for inducing resistance to Dutch elm disease in susceptible elm trees.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the freeness of pulp made from secondary fiber is provided by adding an enzymatic mixture comprised of cellulase and pectinase enzymes to the pulp and treating under conditions to cause a reaction to produce an enzymatically treated pulp. The freeness of the enzymatically treated pulp is increased from the initial freeness of the secondary fiber pulp without a loss in brightness.

Abstract: Processes for increasing the strength of cellulosic fibers are carried out by contacting relatively dry cellulosic fibers with an agent in particulate or vapor form comprising a carboxylic acid cyclic anhydride at an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to significantly increase the bonding strength of the fibers. The treated fibers bond more readily to one another and they also hold wet and dry strength aids more strongly. Furthermore, the treatment does not significantly affect the internal chemical structure of the fibers so that paper made from the fibers exhibits overall improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: Systems for the on-line optical measurement of properties of a translucent moving web, such as paper or plastic, as it is continually produced, colored or otherwise converted. Measured properties include color, reflectance and opacity. A backing roll has a cylindrical or approximately cylindrical surface which comprises at least one optical standard. The roll is positioned such that a circumferential portion of the roll surface contacts the back web surface where the web characteristic is to be measured, with the web curving around the circumferential portion. An optical sensing device is positioned so as to view the front web surface backed by the optical standard or standards. In several embodiments, two sets of reflectance data are collected, one with a "white" optical standard backing and the other with a "black" optical standard backing.