Abstract: The present invention relates to polygalactomannan compositions, and more particularly cationic guar gum compositions, which, when crosslinked with glyoxal, from discrete guar particles which are capable of being easily dispersed in water which permits subsequent processing of the guar, such as washing. The guar and its derivatives are desirable for use in applications such as personal care, household care products and the like.

Abstract: A composition of a loose mass of comminuted raw cotton linter fibers has a bulk density of at least 8 g/100 ml and at least 50% of the fibers in the mass passes through a US standard sieve size #10 (2 mm opening). This composition is made by obtaining a loose mass of first cut, second cut, third cut, or mill runs raw cotton linters or mixtures thereof and comminuting the loose mass of raw cotton linters to a size wherein at least 50% pass through a US standard sieve size #10 (2 mm opening). This composition is used to make cellulose ether derivatives.

Abstract: A purified hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) or hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) reacts with a perfluorinated alkyl glycidyl ether to produce an associative thickener wherein a fluorinated C.sub.8 chain is nearly as effective as a hydrocarbyl C.sub.16 straight chain hydrophobe. A preferred glycidyl ether is prepared by reacting a terminal hydroxyl of a perfluorinated surfactant with epichlorohydrin.

Abstract: Cellulose ethers are disclosed which have sufficient nonionic substitution to render them water soluble and which are further modified with a C.sub.10 to C.sub.24 long chain alkylaryl group in an amount between 0.2% by weight and the amount which makes them less than 1% by weight soluble in water. Hydroxyethylcellulose is a preferred water soluble cellulose ether for modification according to the invention. These products exhibit substantially improved viscosifying effects compared to their unmodified cellulose ether counterparts, and provide good leveling and sag resistance in latex paints. Preferred alkylaryl groups are nonylphenyl, dodecylphenyl, and dinonylphenyl. Included are cellulose ethers with spacer groups of various lengths between the alkylaryl group and the connecting group to the cellulose molecule.

Abstract: Cellulose ethers are disclosed which have sufficient nonionic substitution to render them water soluble and which are further modified with a C.sub.10 to C.sub.24 long chain alkylaryl group in an amount between 0.2% by weight and the amount which makes them less then 1% by weight soluble in water. Hydroxyethylcellulose is a preferred water soluble cellulose ether for modification according to the invention. These products exhibit substantially improved viscosifying effects compared to their unmodified cellulose ether counterparts, and provide good leveling and sag resistance in latex paints. Preferred alkylaryl groups are nonylphenyl, dodecylphenyl, and dinonylphenyl. Included are cellulose ethers with spacer groups of various lengths between the alkylaryl group and the connecting group to the cellulose molecule.

Abstract: Hydroxyalkylcellulose hydrophobically modified with a C12 to C16 alkyl or aralkyl group represents a preferred thickener for a paper coating composition to obtain uniform coating at high speed. The process for manufacture involves: preparing an aqueous coating composition of hydrophobically modified hydroxyethylcellulose, pigment binder and other additives; applying the composition to a paper surface; removing excess composition to produce a uniform coating; and drying to produce a paper product.

Abstract: Disclosed are nonionic dihydroxypropyl hydroxyalkylcelluloses having a dihydroxypropyl M.S. of from about 0.1 to 1.2 and a hydroxyalkyl M.S. of from about 1.5 to about 3.0. The dihydroxypropyl hydroxyalkylcelluloses are capable of reacting with polyvalent metal cations, such as, titanium and zirconium, in an aqueous medium, such as a salt brine medium, to form viscoelastic gels useful in oil recovery operations.

Abstract: A water-soluble carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose having a carboxymethyl degree of substitution of about 0.1 to about 0.25, preferably of about 0.15 to about 0.20, and having a hydroxyethyl molar substitution of greater than about 1.0 possesses unexpected qualities. When this composition is crosslinked with a suitable aluminum ion in an aqueous solution it forms a gel which exhibits no significant thinning at temperatures less than about 200.degree. F.

Abstract: Anionic, water-soluble cellulose ethers which are treated with a mixture of glyoxal and a sodium borate, preferably borax, readily disperse in aqueous solutions without clumping or agglomerating. These treated compounds can be formed by contacting an organic slurry of an anionic, water-soluble cellulose ether with an aqueous solution of glyoxal and a sodium borate, recovering the product and then drying it.

Abstract: Thickening of heavy brine solutions based on calcium halides by use of water-insoluble hydroxyethyl cellulose is disclosed.

Abstract: Easily dispersible anionic water-soluble polymers are disclosed which are prepared by lightly treating particulate water-soluble polymer with a water-soluble aluminum salt and an aluminum chelant. Rate of hydration is retarded when the particles are added to aqueous media, allowing the particles to be dispersed completely before their surfaces hydrate sufficiently to gel and prevent complete dissolution.

Abstract: Solution qualities of carboxymethyl cellulose are improved by preparing the same with cellulose which has been alkalized in the presence of a borate ion-containing salt.

Abstract: In preparation of hydroxyethyl ethers of cellulose, ethylene oxide efficiency of the reaction and solubility characteristics of the product are improved by using alkali cellulose which has been prepared in the presence of boric acid or a boric acid salt.

Abstract: Carboxymethyl cellulose is not normally considered a good candidate as a thickener for fracturing fluids for subterranean formations due to the poor salt sensitivity of its solutions. It has been found that if carboxymethyl cellulose is modified with hydroxyethyl functionality, the salt sensitivity of its aqueous solutions is improved to a point where it can be used in this application. Specifically, carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose having carboxymethyl D.S. of 0.7 to 1 and hydroxyethyl M.S. of 0.3 to 2 can be so employed.

Abstract: Carboxymethyl cellulose has not heretofore been universally useful as a thickener for drilling muds due to sensitivity of its aqueous solutions to the high level of inorganic salts contained in such muds. The inclusion in the carboxymethyl cellulose of hydroxyethyl functionality reduces this salt sensitivity to a level where it can be employed to thicken drilling muds, even those containing calcium salts. Carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose of carboxymethyl D.S. of 0.1 to 1.0 and hydroxyethyl M.S. of 0.5 to 2.5 are useful.

Abstract: Thickening of heavy brine solutions based on calcium halides by use of carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose is disclosed wherein the carboxymethyl substitution level is about 0.05 to 0.35.

Abstract: Cellulose ethers are disclosed which have sufficient nonionic substitution to render them water soluble and which are further modified with a C.sub.10 to C.sub.24 long chain alkylaryl group in an amount between 0.2% by weight and the amount which makes them less than 1% by weight soluble in water. Hydroxyethylcellulose is a preferred water soluble cellulose ether for modification according to the invention. These products exhibit substantially improved viscosifying effects compared to their unmodified cellulose ether counterparts, and provide good leveling and sag resistance in latex paints. Preferred alkylaryl groups are nonylphenyl, dodecylphenyl, and dinonylphenyl. Included are cellulose ethers with spacer groups of various lengths between the alkylaryl group and the connecting group to the cellulose molecule.