Abstract: An improved filter element for use in an electrostatic precipitation air cleaning device, the filter element including rod electrodes arranged through a stack of alternating fluted plastic sheets and plate electrodes. Successive plate electrodes are arranged to make contact with an alternating one or the other of the rod electrodes. The plate and rod electrodes may be composed of high impedance materials such as paper and plastic, respectively. An arrangement for removably inserting a filter element into an air cleaning device is provided. The arrangement also removably provides electrical connectivity between the filter element and the air cleaning device. The filter element can thus be readily removed and re-installed by a user.

Abstract: A microimpactor device for separating particles from a fluid stream includes a plurality of microimpactor in a two-dimensional array. Individual microimpactors are separated by a distance of about 3 to 20 times the microimpactor width. This spacing provides a device that operates well at low pressure drops across the device. Particles borne in a fluid stream tend to accumulate on both the front and rear sides of the microimpactors, thereby increasing the efficiency of the device.

Abstract: The invention is related to a framed filter media comprising a pleated filter media having a fluid inlet face and a fluid outlet face with peripheral sidewalls. The peripheral sidewalls of the pleated filter are attached to the frame generally by an adhesive. The frame is preferably a flexible strip frame formed into three or more (up to an infinite number if the sidewall sections(s) is formed into a circular filter frame) sidewall sections each having a substantially flat sidewall and at least two projecting filter retaining tabs which form a flange on a first face of the sidewall section for containing the filter along its peripheral sidewalls and any adhesive. A cross brace is also inserted within the filter retaining tabs which fits into at least one pleat of the framed pleated filter media. The cross brace fits into the space formed by the pleated filter media but is not in continuous contact with the filter media forming the pleat.

Abstract: A filter element, in particular for cleaning combustion air for internal combustion engines, arranged in a filter housing composed of a filter medium having at least one end face on which a resilient, synthetic resin sealing bead is arranged which contacts a sealing contour on the filter housing. An identifier element which is completely covered by the sealing bead is arranged in the filter element, for example, within an end disk thereof.

Abstract: A filter includes first and second sheets of filter media, the second sheet being pleated and forming with the first sheet a plurality of axially extending flow channels having lateral cross-sectional shapes with two adjacent included angles each greater than 45° and less than 75°. Forming apparatus and methods are provided.

Abstract: A three-dimensional object of a desired shape is made by irradiating an optical beam on a metal powder layer to form a sintered layer and by laminating such sintered layer one above another. A metal powder composition for use in making such a three-dimensional object includes an iron-based powder material, a nickel and/or nickel alloy powder material, a copper and/or copper alloy powder material, and a graphite powder material. The graphite powder material acts to enhance the wettability during melting and to reduce microcracks during solidification.

Abstract: Carbon-containing nickel-particle powder is provided. The carbon-containing nickel-particle powder has improved shrinkage property when fired due to the presence of carbon. Also, the carbon-containing nickel-particle powder has a very restricted degree of forming agglomerates.

Abstract: Any one of a Ti-containing water-soluble salt, metatitanic acid (TiO(OH)2) slurry and ultra fine titanium oxide powder, and a transition metal containing metal salt are dissolved in water to prepare a raw material mixture. The raw material is spray-dried to obtain precursor powder, which is calcined to form ultra fine Ti/transition metal complex oxide and is then mixed with nano-sized carbon particles and subjected to reduction and carburization in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A particulate filter assembly includes an electrode assembly, a particulate filter positioned in an electrode gap defined between two electrodes of the electrode assembly, a power supply electrically coupled to the electrode assembly, and a controller for controlling operation of the power supply to apply a regenerate-filter signal to the electrode assembly to oxidize particulates collected by the particulate filter. An associated method of regenerating the particulate filter is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the separation of residual gases and working fluid in a combined cycle water/steam process, which provides for the multi-stage compression and multi-stage expansion of the mixture of working fluid and reaction products from the additional liquid and/or gaseous fuels, by the use of steam. The aim of the invention is the minimisation of the working fluid losses and minimisation of the additional necessary energy use. Said aim is achieved, whereby the expanded exhaust gas from the high pressure turbine stage (19) is subjected to a cooling process which cools the same to the condensation temperature of the steam contained in the exhaust gas (6). The non-condensed parts of the exhaust gas (6) are bled off, whereby the condensation of the working fluid, the bleeding off of non-condensed residual gases (25), the depressurisation of the working fluid condensate and the evaporation of the condensed working fluid are carried out in a residual gas separator (10).

Abstract: Gas supplying method and system in which effective component gas in exhaust gas can be separated and purified efficiently to be resupplied regardless of variation in the flow rate or composition of the exhaust gas and consumed gas can be replenished efficiently. In a method for collecting exhaust gas discharged from a gas using facility, separating/purifying effective component gas contained in the exhaust gas and supplying the effective component gas thus obtained to the gas using facility, the exhaust gas discharged from the gas using facility is added with a replenishing gas of the same components as the effective component gas before the effective component gas is separated and purified.

Abstract: An Apparatus and method for two-stage chromatographic separation uses thermal modulation. The chromatographic column or modulation tube (1) has a loop structure such that two portions of modulation tube (1) can be thermally modulated simultaneously by at least one thermal modulation device, which device can have a cold gas source, jet tube (2), and a hot gas source, hot jet tube (5), to modulate the temperature of the portions (3, 4) of modulation tube (1).

Abstract: A separating apparatus which enables particles to be separated from a flowing medium by a preliminary separator which avoids the undesirably high pressure losses due to the flow resistance of known preliminary separators. The separating apparatus has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, in which a flow of air at the inlet end is caused to rotate by an inlet guide device, and is redirected again at the outlet end by an outlet guide device into a linear flow. The pressure recovery is achieved by a defined curvature and arrangement of the guide elements. The guide element curvature has an inlet contour, a retarding contour and a stabilizing contour. Preliminary separators of this type are used primarily in the air intake tracts of internal combustion engines exposed to heavy contamination, such as engines in farm machinery or construction machinery.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning air, and a method for cleaning air using the apparatus, includes a housing including an air inlet through which air to be cleaned flows into the housing and an air outlet through which air that has been cleaned is exhausted from the housing, the housing isolating an interior thereof from external surroundings. A first filtering unit is disposed adjacent to the air inlet and includes a plurality of first filters for removing a first group of contaminants from the air to be cleaned. Each of the plurality of first filters is disposed substantially parallel to each other. A fan for drawing the air to be cleaned into the housing from the external surroundings is disposed in the housing.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical electrostatic air cleaner that combines a low air resistance dielectric fibrous filter material positioned between and electrically charged by two electrically resistant carbon coated screens. The screens are charged by a remotely mounted bi-polar power supply. A pair of post ionization electrodes charge particles in the air with opposite charges, causing the particles to agglomerate. A plurality of screens may be placed in an array for increased one-pass filtration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air purifier with a small size, having an excellent air purifying capacity, capable of preventing a large amount of ozone from being generated, the ozone harmful to a human body. The air purifier includes a case, a pair of discharge electrodes provided at upper and lower parts of the case, a ground electrode provided between the pair of discharge electrodes, a pair of insulating dielectric layers provided on upper and lower surfaces of the ground electrode, and a power source coupled respectively to the ground electrode and the discharge electrode so as to supply voltage thereto.

Abstract: A hydrophobic disordered composite material having a protrusive surface feature includes a recessive phase and a protrusive phase, the recessive phase having a higher susceptibility to a preselected etchant than the protrusive phase, the composite material having an etched surface wherein the protrusive phase protrudes from the surface to form a protrusive surface feature, the protrusive feature being hydrophobic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high solids mineral slurry having long term stability and a method for producing the same. Specifically, the present invention provides a talc slurry having a solids content of up to 65% and a stability against sedimentation for up to 100 days. The talc slurry of the present invention comprises a phyllosilicate mineral, a chelating agent and multivalent ions, wherein the slurry has a pH of between about 10.2 and about 11.8.

Abstract: A clay slurry is described using smectite clay, water, and a defined phosphonate additive that is hydrolytically stable over time. The viscosity of the clay slurry remains pourable and relatively unchanged over time compared to prior art slurries. The slurry is useful to provide rheological control to paints and coatings and is particularly useful as an anti-bleed additive for concrete.

Abstract: A calcium phosphate cement suitable for use in dental and bone prosthesis is disclosed, which include calcium phosphate particles having a diameter of 0.05 to 100 microns, wherein said calcium phosphate particles on their surfaces have whiskers or fine crystals having a width ranging from 1 to 100 nm and a length ranging from 1 to 1000 nm.

Abstract: A fast-setting, bioresorbable calcium phosphate cement is prepared by a process which can be carried out with a heat treatment up to 1000° C. on a mixture of a wetting solution and a calcium phosphate powder having a Ca to P molar ratio of 0.5-2.5. The wetting solution suitable for use in the process of the present invention includes water, an organic solvent, an acidic and basic solution. A setting solution for mixing with the heated powder to form the fast-setting, bioresorbable calcium phosphate cement may be water, an acidic or basic solution according to the process of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn toward materials, methods and systems for solid free-form fabrication of three dimensional objects. In one embodiment, a method can comprise a) applying a particulate blend in a layer, wherein the particulate blend includes calcium aluminate particulates and polymeric binder particulates; b) dispensing an aqueous polyol-containing liquid vehicle onto a predetermined area of the particulate blend to form hydrated cement in the predetermined area; c) hardening the hydrated cement; and d) repeating steps a) through c) such that multiple layers of the cement are formed that are bound to one another, thereby forming the three dimensional object.

Abstract: A method for recycling concrete waste includes the steps of: a) heating the concrete waste to provide a measure of fragility to the concrete waste; b) milling and sieving the heated concrete waste to separate coarse aggregate from the concrete waste; and c) milling and sieving a remaining portion of the concrete waste remaining after separation of the coarse aggregate to separate the remaining portion of the concrete waste into a cement-containing fraction and fine aggregate.

Abstract: Disulfonate salts of 2,4-pentanedione and methods for making such salts are described. The disulfonate salts are useful as cement dispersants. Cement compositions including such salts, methods for making cement compositions including such salts, and methods for performing cementing operations using such cement compositions are also described.

Abstract: Firstly, a silicon ingot in which boron and germanium were doped is sliced to prepare a silicon wafer and then the wafer is thermally processed by oxidation to form the thermal oxidation film on the surface layer portion of the wafer. Thereby, the concentration of germanium is enhanced in the vicinity of the interface with the thermal oxidation film of the wafer. Then, the thermal oxidation film is removed from the surface layer portion of the wafer. Further, an epitaxial layer consisting of a silicon single crystal in which a lower concentration of boron than the concentration of boron in the wafer was doped is grown on the shallow surface layer portion of the wafer by an epitaxial growth method. According to the present invention, the doping amount of germanium is reduced and the generation of misfit dislocations is suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for making a source material into a crystal fiber having different regions of polarization inversion. The apparatus of the present invention is similar to a laser-heated pedestal growth (LHPG) apparatus, characterized in that a first electric field generating device and a second electric field generating device are included. The first electric field generating device is used for providing a first external electric field which is used for poling the crystal fiber and inducing micro-swing of the crystal fiber. The second electric field generating device is disposed on a predetermined position above the first electric field generating device for providing a second external electric field to control and maintain the amplitude of the micro-swing. Whereby, the growth condition of the crystal fiber can be controlled precisely, and a uniformly and regularly periodic polarization inversion structure is fabricated.

Abstract: Synthetic monocrystalline diamond compositions having one or more monocrystalline diamond layers formed by chemical vapor deposition, the layers including one or more layers having an increased concentration of one or more impurities (such as boron and/or isotopes of carbon), as compared to other layers or comparable layers without such impurities. Such compositions provide an improved combination of properties, including color, strength, velocity of sound, electrical conductivity, and control of defects. A related method for preparing such a composition is also described, as well as a system for use in performing such a method, and articles incorporating such a composition.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing KNbO3 single crystal thin film having single-phase high quality and excellent morphology on each of single crystal substrates. A surface acoustic wave element, frequency filter, frequency oscillator, electronics circuit, and electronic device employ the thin film manufactured by the method, and have high k2, and are wideband, reduced in size and economical in power consumption. A plasma plume containing K, Nb, and O in the range 0.5?x?xE is supplied to a substrate, where x is a mole ratio of niobium (Nb) to potassium (K) in KxNb1?xOy, and xE is a mole composition ratio at the eutectic point for KNbO3 and 3K2O.Nb2O5 under a predetermined oxygen partial pressure. Maintaining the temperature Ts of the substrate in the range TE?Ts?Tm where TE represents the temperature at the eutectic point and Tm represents a complete melting temperature, the KNbO3 single crystal is precipitated from the KxNb1?xOy deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for controlling the orientation of secondary structures (A1, A2) with at least a crystalline part during the transfer of secondary structures from a primary structure (A) on which the secondary structures have an initial crystalline orientation identical to the orientation of the primary structure, onto at least one support structure (B), the process comprising: a) the formation of at least one orientation mark (Va, Va1, Va2) when the secondary structures are fixed to the primary structure (A), the mark having an arbitrary orientation with respect to the said initial crystalline orientation, but identical for each secondary structure, and b) when a set of secondary structures is transferred onto at least one support structure (B), an arrangement of the secondary structures so that their orientation marks can be oriented in a controlled manner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a graphite heater for producing a single crystal used when producing a single crystal by the Czochralski method which comprises at least a terminal part to which electric current is supplied and a cylindrical heat generating part by resistance heating and are provided so as to surround a crucible for containing a raw material melt wherein the heat generating part has heat generating slit parts formed by being provided with upper slits extending downward from the upper end and lower slits extending upwards from the lower end by turns, and a length of at least one slit of the upper slits differs from others and/or a length of at least one slit of the lower slits differs from others so that a heat generating distribution of the heat generating part may be changed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for fabricating hafnia film comprising the steps of providing a substrate having a surface that allows formation of a self-assembled monolayer thereon via covalent bonding; providing an aqueous solution that provides homogeneous hafnium ionic complexes and hafnium nanoclusters wherein the aqueous solution is capable of undergoing homogeneous precipitation under controlled conditions for a desired period of time at a controlled temperature and controlled solution acidity for desired nanocluster nucleation and growth kinetics, desired nanocluster size, desired growth rate of film thickness and desired film surface characteristics.

Abstract: A coating apparatus includes a cylindrical holding chamber having open ends, an opening formed in an inner surface and an inner diameter; a specimen having a curved inner surface with a radius of curvature that is equal to one half the inner diameter of the cylindrical holding chamber, the specimen having a size such that, when inserted in the opening in the inner surface of the cylindrical holding chamber, the inner surface of the cylindrical holding chamber and the curved inner surface of the specimen form a continuous surface; a counter bore formed radially outward from the opening in the inner wall of the cylindrical holding chamber; at least one evacuation hole extending from an interior of the cylindrical holding chamber through a wall of the cylindrical holding chamber to the counter bore; a flat formed on an exterior surface of the cylindrical holding chamber around the counter bore; and fastener holes formed around the counter bore and extending from the flat into the wall of the cylindrical holding

Abstract: A method of using an electric stainbrush for cleaning inanimate surfaces is provided. The electric stainbrush includes a handle having a motor disposed therein, a head having a longitudinal axis, and a neck disposed between the handle and the head. First and second bristle holders are associated with the head. The first bristle holder oscillates or rotates. The second bristle holder reciprocates in generally the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the head but does not rotate or oscillate. The motor is operatively connected to the first and second bristle holders.

Abstract: In a method for processing a baking pan, the baking pan is placed in a solution including: water, N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone, Ethoxylate of nonylphenol, Monoethanolamine, Triethanolamine and Potassium hydroxide. The solution is heated to a temperature in a predefined temperature range. The baking pan is removed from the solution after a predefined period of time.

Abstract: A wash fluid containment system includes an elevated, fluid impervious surface upon which items to be washed are placed for washing. The surface is configured to cause wash fluid to flow to an edge of the surface and off of the surface to prevent buildup of wash fluid on the surface. A collecting trough is positioned in fluid flow communication with the edges of the surface to which the fluid flows to catch and collect the fluid as it flows from the surface. Used wash fluid is taken from the collecting trough for disposal or recycling and solids and debris can be easily removed from the trough.

Abstract: A process for removing paint from a plastic substrate that typically includes immersing and optionally agitating the painted plastic substrate in a first chemical fluid, removing the substrate from the first chemical fluid, typically immersing and optionally agitating the substrate in a second chemical fluid, removing the substrate from the second chemical fluid, optionally immersing and optionally agitating the substrate in a third chemical fluid, where the third chemical fluid typically includes substantially the same chemicals as the second chemical fluid, rinsing the substrate, and drying the substrate. The present invention also includes a method for recycling an initially painted plastic substrate.

Abstract: In a rare earth magnet, an added heavy rare earth element RH such as Dy is effectively used without any waste, so as to effectively improve the coercive force. First, a molten alloy of a material alloy for an R-T-Q rare earth magnet (R is a rare earth element, T is a transition metal element, and Q is at least one element selected from the group consisting of B, C, N, Al, Si, and P), the rare earth element R containing at least one kind of element RL selected from the group consisting of Nd and Pr and at least one kind of element RH selected from the group consisting of Dy Tb, and Ho is prepared. The molten alloy is quenched, so as to produce a solidified alloy. Thereafter, a thermal treatment in which the rapidly solidified alloy is held in a temperature range of 400° C. or higher and lower than 800° C. for a period of not shorter than 5 minutes nor longer than 12 hours is performed.

Abstract: A wrought stainless steel alloy composition includes 12% to 25% Cr, 8% to 25% Ni, 0.05% to 1% Nb, 0.05% to 10% Mn, 0.02% to 0.15% C, 0.02% to 0.5% N, with the balance iron, the composition having the capability of developing an engineered microstructure at a temperature above 550° C. The engineered microstructure includes an austenite matrix having therein a dispersion of intragranular NbC precipitates in a concentration in the range of 1010 to 1017 precipitates per cm3.

Abstract: An improved guiding member for use within a body lumen having a unique combination of superelastic characteristics. The superelastic alloy material has a composition consisting of about 30% to about 52% (atomic) titanium, and about 38% to 52% nickel and may have one or more elements selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, platinum, palladium, vanadium, copper, zirconium, hafnium and niobium. The alloy material is subjected to thermomechanical processing which includes a final cold working of about 10 to about 75% and then a heat treatment at a temperature between about 450° and about 600° C. and preferably about 475° to about 550° C. Before the heat treatment the cold worked alloy material is preferably subjected to mechanical straightening. The alloy material is preferably subjected to stresses equal to about 5 to about 50% of the room temperature ultimate yield stress of the material during the thermal treatment.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a bare aluminum electrical conductor including a step of heat treating the conductor while wound on a winding form. The method comprises the step of coating the outer surface of the aluminum conductor with an inorganic powder material prior to winding the wire or cable on the winding form. The invention also relates to a method of protecting an aluminum conductor from damage during heat treatment and shipment when wound on a winding form. This method comprises providing a layer of aluminum or aluminum alloy between said conductor and parts of said winding form that would contact said wound conductor if not for said layer.

Abstract: An integrated metal processing facility in which molten metal is poured into a series of molds at a pouring station to form metal castings, which are then transferred to a heat treatment line. Prior to introduction of the castings into a heat treatment station of the heat treatment line, the castings are subjected to heating sufficient to arrest cooling of the castings at or above a process control temperature for the metal thereof.

Abstract: The very thin, high carbon wire is 0.05 to 0.50 mm in diameter and comprises, in mass %, 0.90-1.20% of C, 0.05-1.2% of Si, 0.2-1.0% of Mn, and 0.0050% or less of N, with the balance being iron and impurities. In a differential scanning thermal analysis curve A of the steel wire, the steel wire has an exothermic peak X in the temperature range of 60° to 130° C., and a maximum height h of the exothermic peak X relative to a reference line Y joining the point of 60° C. and the point of 130° C. in the differential scanning thermal analysis curve is set at 5 ?W/mg or more. The very thin, high carbon steel wire is free of delamination in high-speed stranding and superior in both strength and ductility.

Abstract: A solar control coating is applied to a first glass pane interior surface and a low-E coating is applied to a second glass pane exterior surface. A safety film is applied over the coating on the interior surface of the first glass pane. The second glass pane has a low-E coating facing the interior of a room. A safety film is applied to the reverse side of the glass. The two glass panes are separated by a spacer and structural silicone is backfilled from each outboard end of the spacer to the coated inside surfaces of the first and second glass panes to form a two-glass pane composite.

Abstract: High loft, low density nonwoven webs suitable for use in a variety of applications requiring strong fabric layers are produced by forming substantially continuous, spunbond, crimped, bicomponent fibers of crimpable, e.g., side by side or eccentric sheath/core (A/B) configuration which are unheated prior to collection. The fibers are then heated and cooled in the absence of impeding forces to achieve maximum crimp in the Z-direction and produce a web of lofted material of greater uniformity than attained with comparable material whose fibers are drawn by a heated process. The resultant nonwoven material can then be pattern bonded or laminated for additional strength without interfering with the desired loft of the low density nonwoven. The additionally strengthened nonwoven may then be further processed such as by lamination or the like to further increase its utility.

Abstract: A three dimensional soft magnetic metal mass suitable for milling is formed wrapping soft magnetic metal ribbon into a three dimensional shape and then applying adhesive to the three dimensional shape. The adhesive permeates the three dimensional shape. The adhesive is then cured. If the soft magnetic metal mass is made as a toroid, then it could be processed into an electro-mechanical component. The electro-mechanical component would then be suitable for use in very high frequency electric motors.

Abstract: The invention is to perform operations from sealing of a honeycomb core with a thermosetting sealing material having an adhesive property to its hardening in one step, prevent a resin from flowing into cells of the honeycomb core during resin impregnating operation, and thereby mold low-cost honeycomb sandwich components by using RTM technique which is adopted in molding solid materials, for instance. Dry fabric sheets are stacked on both sides of a honeycomb core with thermosetting sealing members having an adhesive property placed in between, and the sealing members and the dry fabric sheets are heated at the curing temperature of the sealing members to cause initial hardening of the sealing members and to dry the dry fabric sheets. Then, the dry fabric sheets are impregnated with a thermosetting resin and the resin impregnated into the dry fabric sheets is hardened by hot-pressing an entire assembly thus prepared under specific conditions.

Abstract: A method for the production of a wood composite board is provided that comprises the steps of: providing a quantity of wood in the form of strands; coating the wood strands with a binder composition to from coated strands; forming a mat from the coated strands; exposing said mat to steam; ventilating steam; and pressing the mat, at a high temperature, to form the wood composite board having a final thickness.

Abstract: Edges, hems, patches and seams for woven fabric that has been treated for water repellency, and methods for making the same, are shown and described. In one particular embodiment of the invention, for example, a lapped seam between two pieces of water repellent fabric has an outer material at least partially overlapping an inner material, and a laminate strip positioned between the overlapping portions of the materials. The outer and inner materials, which are both oriented in the same direction, have an exterior layer of woven fabric that has been treated with water repellent and/or stain repellent chemicals, and an inner layer comprising a polymer membrane, such as polyurethane. The laminate strip has a bottom portion in contact with the outer layer of the inner material. The bottom portion has a low melt point, high flow rate adhesive system of one or more layers that penetrates and surrounds the fibers in the woven fiber of the outer layer of the inner piece of material.

Abstract: Temporary wet strength additives, more particularly, temporary wet strength additives comprising a polymer backbone, wherein the polymer backbone comprises a co-crosslinking monomeric unit, preferably a reversible co-crosslinking monomeric unit, especially in the presence of water, a homo-crosslinking monomeric units and a cationic monomeric unit, fibrous structures comprising such temporary wet strength additives, sanitary tissue products comprising such fibrous structures and processes for making such fibrous structures and/or such sanitary tissue product. Such fibrous structures and sanitary tissue products exhibit high initial wet tensile strength and improved flushability and/or reduced-clogging properties.

Abstract: Soft and strong cellulose-based fibrous web, comprises a) cellulosic fibres having a freeness value of more than 26° SR measured according to DIN-ISO 5267/1 (March 1999), b) a water-soluble cationic polymer, c) a water-soluble anionic polymer, and d) a cationic surfactant-based softener. The webs are prepared by refining cellulosic fibres to a degree of freeness of more than 26° SR measured according to DIN-ISO 5267/1, adding at least one water-soluble anionic polymer and water-soluble cationic polymer to the refined cellulosic fibres, adding a cationic surfactant-based softener to the cellulosic fibres obtained thereby, and wet-laying and dewatering the celulosic fibres obtained thereby.