Abstract: In a paper/film composite structure, the film is made of a low substituted cellulose ether having a molar degree of substitution with alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl groups in the range of 0.05 to 1.3. The paper/film composite structure can be delivered to the waste paper recycling process without previously removing the film portion. The strength of film is increased without adding to the manufacturing cost. The paper/film composite structure is inexpensive and eliminates the risk of film rupture during the working, transporting and use stages.

Abstract: Processes for manufacturing a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose are described that include dipping pulp into an alkaline solution to prepare an alkali cellulose, reacting the alkali cellulose with a hydroxypropylating agent to yield a product in a complete dissolution state, dissolving completely the product in an aqueous medium to provide a product in a complete dissolution state, neutralizing with an acid to yield a precipitate, washing, drying, and pulverizing to yield a powder having a volume-average particle diameter of less than 25 microns which is determined by a dry laser diffraction method, a loose bulk density of 0.29 g/ml or more and less than 0.40 g/ml, and a tapped bulk density of 0.55 g/ml or more. Low-substituted hydroxypropyl celluloses are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a cellulose polymer having a water retention property, and good feeling upon use when applied to the skin and being suitably used as a carrier. More specifically, provided is a low-substituted cellulose ether powder comprising primary particles wherein at least 95% by weight of the primary particles have an aspect ratio of 1.0 to 1.5. Also provided is a production process of a low-substituted cellulose ether powder having a molar substitution degree of 0.05 to 1.0, comprising, during or after the addition of an acid to an alkali solution of low-substituted cellulose ether to neutralize the solution, triturating a resulting mixture; and spray-drying a resulting dispersion. Further provided is a production process of a low-substituted cellulose ether powder having a molar substitution degree of 0.05 to 1.0, comprising shear-triturating a low-substituted cellulose ether powder in water so as to swell-disperse the powder and spray-drying a resulting dispersion.

Abstract: Provided is a pharmaceutical carrier for external application which is stable even when alcohol or the like is added, which gives a good feeling when used, and of which the major ingredient is a non-ionic polymer which interacts less with its active ingredient. Specifically, the pharmaceutical carrier for external application comprising a low-substituted cellulose ether with the degree of molar substitution with alkyl and/or hydroxyalkyl groups being 0.05 to 1.0 is provided. The low-substituted cellulose ether is preferably in a swelled state where particles are evenly dispersed. Also, the present invention provides a method for producing the pharmaceutical carrier for external application comprising a step of swelling and dispersing the low-substituted cellulose ether having a degree of molar substitution of 0.05 to 1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a loose bulk density of not less than 0.40 g/mL and a tap bulk density of not less than 0.60 g/mL and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: Provided are a solid preparation which rapidly disintegrates in the oral cavity when taken together with the saliva in the oral cavity or a small amount of water, can be prepared easily and has strength enough to retain its formability upon production or during distribution; and a production process of the solid preparation. Specifically, provided are a solid preparation comprising a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a loose bulk density of 0.40 g/ml or greater and a tapped bulk density of 0.60 g/ml or greater, and a sugar and/or sugar alcohol; and a production process of the solid preparation. Also provided are a solid preparation comprising a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a volume-average particle size as measured by the dry laser diffraction method of 25 &mgr;m or less which is obtained by pulverizing a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a loose bulk density of 0.40 g/ml or greater, a tapped bulk density of 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a loose bulk density of not less than 0.40 g/mL and a tap bulk density of not less than 0.60 g/mL and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose exhibiting good granulation characteristics and tablet properties. Specifically, there is provided low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a hydroxypropoxyl content in the range of 5.0 to 16.0% by weight and an apparent average degree of polymerization in the range of 350 to 700.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a loose bulk density of not less than 0.40 g/mL and a tap bulk density of not less than 0.60 g/mL and a process for producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides solid preparations having two or more colors or a pattern of two or more different colors which can solve the problems of the prior art including the complexity of production processes and the low strength of solid preparations. Specifically, an object of the present invention is to provide solid preparations coated with a continuous film coating layer having two or more different colors or a pattern of two or more different colors which preparations are obtained by irradiating a part of the film coating layer containing one or more colorants with light, a process for the preparation of such solid preparations, and a film coating agent therefor.

Abstract: Provided are a solid preparation which rapidly disintegrates in the oral cavity when taken together with the saliva in the oral cavity or a small amount of water, can be prepared easily and has strength enough to retain its formability upon production or during distribution; and a production process of the solid preparation. Specifically, provided are a solid preparation comprising a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a loose bulk density of 0.40 g/ml or greater and a tapped bulk density of 0.60 g/ml or greater, and a sugar and/or sugar alcohol; and a production process of the solid preparation. Also provided are a solid preparation comprising a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a volume-average particle size as measured by the dry laser diffraction method of 25 &mgr;m or less which is obtained by pulverizing a low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose having a loose bulk density of 0.40 g/ml or greater, a tapped bulk density of 0.

Abstract: A novel endermic medicament having a consistency of a gel is proposed which is formulated, as a gel base, with non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether, e.g., methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, modified with a modification agent containing, in the molecule, an alkyl group having 6 to 26 carbon atoms and a functional group having reactivity with the hydroxyl group in the cellulose ether, e.g., stearyl glycidyl ether, decyl glycidyl ether and cetyl epoxide. The endermic medicament formulated with the modified cellulose ether is stable by virtue of the very little interaction between the active ingredients and the gel base and also can exhibit high percutaneous absorptivity of the active ingredients through the human skin.