Abstract: Objective of the method is a procedure for production of nanocellulose, where energy consumption and other costs of production are lower than in methods presented previously. It is based on separation of minute particles from cellulose or plant based ingredients by effects of light, thermal energy or water-soluble organic solvents. These particles act as precursors of nanocellulose. After separation they form in dry state aerosol, in liquid media a suspension, and combine to chains, microfibrils and secondarily formed fibrils, which form further networks with each other or with other fibers and fibrils. Applications are based on their action as reinforcing structure in composites, paper, cardboard, paints and other materials, on forming thin-layer films for electrical, electronic and medical applications, or on viscosity, surface and permeability properties.

Abstract: Objective of the method is a procedure for production of nanocellulose, where energy consumption and other costs of production are lower than in methods presented previously. It is based on separation of minute particles from cellulose or plant based ingredients by effects of light, thermal energy or water-soluble organic solvents. These particles act as precursors of nanocellulose. After separation they form in dry state aerosol, in liquid media a suspension, and combine to chains, microfibrils and secondarily formed fibrils, which form further networks with each other or with other fibres and fibrils. Applications are based on their action as reinforcing structure in composites, paper, cardboard, paints and other materials, on forming thin-layer films for electrical, electronic and medical applications, or on viscosity, surface and permeability properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to a food product inducing satiety with the aim of contributing to weight management. The product contains as its essential ingredients viscous soluble dietary fiber or other thickening agent and fat or fatty acids. A preferred component contained in the product is a barley or oat bran concentrate rich in ?-glucan. The product may have a pasty consistency, or it may have a particulate consistency and can be turned to a paste by addition of water.

Abstract: The objective of this invention is a method for separating cellulosic fibres, hemicellulose and lignin from parts of plants containing these, such as stems, leaves and seed coats or hulls of cereal, oilseed, fibre or grassy plants. After appropriate pre-treatments the material is heated in an alkaline solution at lower temperatures than used in the traditional cellulose manufacturing. After this heat treatment, the fibrous and other undissolved materials are separated from the solution and subsequently ground in wet condition, using preferably chafing treatments. For improving the separation, surface active substances can be included in the alkaline heat treatment solution.

Abstract: Technology for separating lignin from alkaline solutions which arise in production of cellulose is presented. Isolated lignin can be applied, for instance, for production of carbon fibre, adhesives and binding materials, antioxidants and organic chemicals. Starting materials are non-woody plant materials, from which lignin is dissolved by sulphur free alkaline solutions at temperatures below 130° C. Lignin is precipitated by acid, and purified by hydrolyzing hemicellulose by acid or by enzymatic reactions or a combination of these. Lignin separated has a closely similar structure as lignin in plant material, and its content of functional atom groups can be controlled by changes in processing conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing an oat product enriched in the content of &bgr;-glucan as well as a method for preparing a foodstuff incorporating such an enriched oat preparate. The invention uses dehulled or naked oats, which are subjected to dry milling and dry fractionation at multiple stages without a preceding removal of fat. The oat material is at a first stage subjected to dry milling and dry classification to separate a coarser fraction containing grain cell wall material and starch containing subaleurone layer as a pre-enriched fraction from a finer, endosperm containing fraction. At a second stage said pre-enriched fraction is subjected to dry milling, where the disintegraing action is more effective than at the first stage, and to dry classification for separating a coarser, cell wall material containing fraction as the enriched product from a finer, starch containing fraction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing an organic pigment from starch, and the pigment thus received. According to the invention, starch granules are swollen to increase their volume and plasticity, their stability towards changes in volume and shape is improved by cross-linking, by derivatization, or by making the surface hydrophobic, after which gas bubbles or cavities are formed inside the granules, these bubbles or cavities having a strong light scattering effect. Generating bubbles or cavities can be performed by evaporating water or another liquid, by releasing impregnated gas, by a gas generating reaction, or by displacing absorbed water with a solvent. The product is useful as a white pigment especially in coating of starch, in paints and in cosmetic products.