Abstract: Vulcanization process for a rubber tire with the use of microwave frequencies and the use of conductive materials in a pre-molded rubber using one or more layers of rubber formulations and determining the frequency parameters, vulcanization temperature and cure time by the type and quality of the elastomeric raw material.

Abstract: A method for applying a fold-under label to a substrate comprises the step of feeding to a folding apparatus the fold-under label having a first portion, a second portion extending from the first portion, and a third portion extending from the second portion. The method further comprises the step of causing a folding arm of the folding apparatus to collectively fold the first portion and the second portion behind the third portion by transitioning from a first position to a second position such that an adhesive on the third portion extends through a gap in the second portion. An affixing member of an application apparatus is caused to transition from an initial position to a final position to apply the folded fold-under label to the substrate.

Abstract: Pipes of a weldable polymer material are welded with a muff of a weldable polymer material. The method includes placing the muff with an overlap over the ends of the pipes, welding the muff to the ends of the pipes through placement of an electrically conducting band that is permeable to molten plastic between the pipe and the muff, connecting a power supply to the band through feed cables, and supplying an electrical current in order to heat the band and the surrounding polymer material such that they melt together around the band in order to form a weld. The temperature of the weld is calculated through adding the initial ambient temperature of the weld and the increase in temperature of the band.

Abstract: The method and device provided herein relates to the field of screwed joints for panels and, in particular, for sandwich panels used in aerospace applications. It relates to a method for attaching a headless rivet nut to a wall of such a panel. The method comprises: injecting a predetermined quantity of adhesive into a blind hole made in the wall of the panel; fitting the headless rivet nut onto a rivet nut setting tool, the rivet nut setting tool comprising a pierced anvil and a mandrel passing through the anvil, the mandrel being screwed into the rivet nut so as to press the rivet nut onto the anvil; positioning the headless rivet nut in the blind hole, the anvil coming to press against the wall of the panel; setting the rivet nut so as to squeeze the wall of the panel between the anvil and a flange formed by deformation of the rivet nut.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a conductive element includes an original carbon nanotube film supply unit configured to continuously supply an original carbon nanotube film; a patterned unit configured to form a patterned carbon nanotube film; a solvent treating unit configured to soak the patterned carbon nanotube film to form a carbon nanotube film; a substrate supply unit providing a substrate; a pressing unit configured to generate a pressure on the carbon nanotube film and the substrate and fix the carbon nanotube film on the substrate; and a collecting unit capable of collecting the conductive element. The original carbon nanotube film includes a number of carbon nanotubes extending along a first direction. The patterned carbon nanotube film defines through holes arranged in at least one row in the patterned carbon nanotube film along the first direction, the through holes of each row includes at least two spaced though holes.

Abstract: A method for making a heater is provided. A support and a flexible substrate are provided. The flexible substrate is stretched along a first direction and is fixed on a surface of the support. A carbon nanotube film is drawn from a carbon nanotube array. One end of the carbon nanotube film is attached on the flexible substrate. The carbon nanotube film is wrapped around the support by whirling the support to form a carbon nanotube layer. The flexible substrate is separated from the support and shrinks along the first direction. The carbon nanotube layer includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes aligned in the first direction. A plurality of electrodes are electrically connected with the carbon nanotube layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a labelling plant and method for containers. Heat shrinkable sleeves are supplied and containers are supplied. A device for arranging the sleeve around the container will arrange the sleeve in a position with respect to the container. In a heat shrink oven the sleeves are fixed to the container forming the label. A conveyor will transport containers from the container supply and sleeves from the sleeve supply into the heat shrink oven. According to the invention a sleeve support will hold one or more sleeves in a predetermined position with respect to the container. The sleeve support comprises a platform supporting a part of a circumferential edge of the sleeve. Further one or at least two sleeve support elements are arranged to abut on an external side of the sleeve and to support the sleeve in an opened state.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided with display structures such as glass and polymer layers in a liquid crystal display. The glass layers may serve as substrates for components such as a color filter layer and thin-film transistor layer. The polymer layers may include films such as a polarizer film and other optical films. During fabrication of a display, the polymer layers and glass layers may be laminated to one another. Portions of the polymer layers may extend past the edges of the glass layers. Laser cutting techniques may be used to trim away excess portions of the polymer layer that do not overlap underlying portions of the glass layers. Laser cutting may involve application of an adjustable infrared laser beam.

Abstract: A tire building device includes a building drum for applying an inner liner thereon and a winding device for tire cords wherein the building drum is mounted to a drive shaft only on one of its sides, the drive shaft side. The winding device winds the tire cords onto the inner liner in the final shape also on completion of the tire. The winding device, substantially radially, winds the tire cords on the free side opposite the drive shaft transversely across the building drum and past the drive shaft on the drive shaft side.

Abstract: A tire exhibiting a desired design performance can be manufactured at a low cost using a precured tread having a mounting surface formed flat. In the process of manufacture, a base tire formed with a tread mounting surface having curvatures in the axial and circumferential directions of the tire and a precured tread having amounting surface formed flat, which is to be applied to the tread mounting surface of the base tire, are used. The precured tread has grooves (9) in its tread pattern surface opposite from its mounting surface. And the circumferential and axial lengths of the grooves (9) are formed shorter than desired design values, based on the differences in the circumferential and axial lengths between when the mounting surface of the tread applied to the base tire is curved along the curvatures of the tread mounting surface of the base tire and when the mounting surface of the tread is in a flat state.

Abstract: An ultraviolet-curable resin is formed over a touch panel, and a liquid crystal display panel is bonded to the touch panel. Subsequently, an ultraviolet-curable resin is formed over the touch panel, and a front window is bonded to the touch panel. While the ultraviolet-curable resin is cured unevenly due to a black-frame print made around the periphery of the front window, the touch panel and the counter substrate of the liquid crystal display panel are already bonded together at this time. This prevents the uneven cure of the ultraviolet-curable resin from distorting the counter substrate alone. As a result, it is possible to avoid unevenness of the gap between the counter substrate and the TFT substrate of the liquid crystal display panel and the resulting yellowing around the periphery.

Abstract: A contoured glass sheet laminating system may include a glass-side vacuum bed, a laminate-side vacuum bed and a lamination actuator. The glass-side vacuum bed may include a vacuum backside and a mold-receiving side and may have sufficient permeability to permit a vacuum system to pull a vacuum across a thickness of the glass-side vacuum bed between the vacuum backside and the mold-receiving side of the glass-side vacuum bed. The laminate-side vacuum bed may include a vacuum backside and a thin-film loading side and may have sufficient permeability to permit a vacuum system to pull a vacuum across a thickness of the laminate-side vacuum bed between the vacuum backside and the thin-film loading side of the of the laminate-side vacuum bed.

Abstract: A medical balloon catheter including a catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon secured to a distal portion of the catheter shaft. One or more cutting blades are secured to the inflatable balloon by a first polymeric adhesive material forming a mounting pad encasing a base portion of the cutting blade therein, and a second polymeric adhesive material adhesively bonding the mounting pad to a surface of the balloon. The first polymeric adhesive material has a first ductility and the second polymeric adhesive material has a second ductility greater than the first ductility.

Abstract: A method is described for forming a permanently supported thin lamina using decomposable adhesives between a lamina and a temporary support element. The temporary support element may be bonded to a first surface of the lamina. A permanent support element may be applied to a second surface of the lamina, and the temporary support element debonded from the lamina by decomposing the adhesive.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate for an organic light emitting diode including a base substrate, a high refractive scattering layer formed on the base substrate, and having a scattering particle scattering light in a high refractive material, and an adhesive layer formed between the base substrate and the high refractive scattering layer to laminate the base substrate with the high refractive scattering layer, wherein the high refractive scattering layer has a structure in which the scattering particle is immersed in the high refractive material, an average thickness of the high refractive scattering layer is smaller than an average diameter of the scattering particle, a surface of the high refractive scattering layer laminated with the base substrate by the adhesive layer has unevenness formed by the scattering particle, the opposite surface of the high refractive scattering layer laminated with the base substrate by the adhesive layer has a planarized surface, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Abstract: A peel-and-set tile system is disclosed for being installed onto a substrate, along with a corresponding method of manufacture and installation. The system provides, in an exemplary embodiment, a tile body. An underside surface of the tile body provides a contact adhesive array for securing the tile body to the substrate, the contact adhesive array being positioned and configured for forming a perimeter gasket continuously about a perimeter of the underside surface of the tile body when it is secured to the substrate. A peel-away release liner is applied over the contact adhesive array and configured to be removed therefrom when the tile body is to be installed onto the substrate. When the tile body is secured to the substrate, the perimeter gasket forms a bond that substantially prevents liquid or contaminants from getting between the underside surface of the tile body and the substrate or compromising the installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a top layer (10) constituting a layer (6) of a gliding device (1), which top layer (10) comprises an external face (18) and an internal face (24) directed towards a core (9) of the gliding device (1). The top layer (10) is provided with at least one hole (20) extending between the external face (18) and the internal face (24). Prior to making the hole (20) through the top layer (10), an adhesive layer (23) is applied to it on the internal face (24) facing away from the external face (18), at least in the region where the hole (20) is to be made, and the hole (20) is made jointly both through the top layer (10 ) and through the adhesive layer (23).

Abstract: A honeycomb-shaped panel is formed from a plurality of generally sinusoidally shaped strips of molded fiberboard material each having spaced, oppositely directed flat peaks, the peaks of adjacent strips being secured together to form a plurality of hexagonally shaped cells extending perpendicular to the surfaces of the sheet. The strips may be cut from a single sheet of corrugated fiberboard sheet material and then secured together to form the honeycomb panel, or a plurality of such panels may be secured together face to face with their ribs aligned to form a stack, and selected cuts may be made through the secured, stacked panels to form a plurality of honeycomb panels of desired surface shape and height dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention relate to a halogen-free resin composition and a method for fabricating a halogen-free copper clad laminate using the same. The halogen-free resin composition comprises the following components: reactive small molecular polyphenylene oxide with a number average molecular weight of 500-3000, a polybenzoxazine resin, a phosphorus-containing epoxy resin, a composite curing agent, a curing promoter, a filler, and a benzene or ketone solvent.

Abstract: UV curable sealants, method s for making the sealants, and method for using the sealants are disclosed. The UV curable sealants may be used in seal caps useful to seal fasteners in aerospace fuel tanks. The UV curable sealants may also be used to smooth defects in surfaces such as aerospace surfaces.

Abstract: A photocurable adhesive composition is disclosed herein that has high adhesive strength and optical clarity and which in the cured state is reworkable and exhibits low propensities for exhibiting glow mark and pooling effects. The composition contains a chain transfer agent, an urethane (meth)acrylate having a plurality of ethylenically unsaturated groups, a (meth)acrylate monomer and a photoinitiator. The composition may optionally contain a light stabilizer.

Abstract: A method includes steps of carrying an air-permeable web while holding the first surface of the web on a carrying surface; dispensing powder particles onto the second surface of the web; and while drawing the first air from a plurality of suction holes in the carrying surface through the web, thereby holding the powder particles in a predetermined pattern on the second surface of the web, discharging the second air toward the web through a discharge hole open in a non-suction area, whereby the powder particles on non-suction areas are blown away by the second air, thus arranging the powder particles in a predetermined pattern on the web.

Abstract: A method includes steps of: carrying an air-permeable web while holding the first surface of the web on a carrying surface; dispensing powder particles onto the second surface of the web; drawing the first air from a plurality of suction holes in the carrying surface through the web, thereby holding the powder particles in a predetermined pattern on the second surface of the web; and giving at least a part of the first air flow components flowing in directions along the second surface of the web by means of an airflow deflector opposing the second surface of the web, thereby moving powder particles on non-suction areas between the suction holes on the web, thus arranging the powder particles in a predetermined pattern on the web.

Abstract: Disclosed are grips and methods of making grips for use with the handle of an article, and in particular for use with golf clubs, fishing poles, bicycle handles, hand tools, etc. Embodiments preferably include a first portion made of a first material and a second portion made of a second material. The first portion is preferably less dense and/or lighter than the second portion to allow for the manufacture of a light grip with different characteristics.

Abstract: Adhesive composition in mat or sheet form for setting construction materials such as tiles. The adhesive composition comprises at least one pressure sensitive adhesive and a reactive adhesive dispersed therein, wherein said reactive adhesive forms a blend or a semi or fully interpenetrating network or a reinforcing phase throughout said pressure sensitive adhesive, said mat having a thickness defined between a first side and a second side opposite said first side, and at least one release layer removably secured to one of said first side or said second side. Embodiments include application of the adhesive by providing an adhesive mat having a back release liner and a top release liner opposite the back release liner, removing the back release liner, laying the mat on the substrate such as a floor, applying pressure to the mat to ensure good contact between the mat and the substrate, removing the top release liner, and positioning the tile onto the adhesive mat.

Abstract: Process for producing a laminate being built of at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes, the polymeric tapes having a tensile strength of at least 200 MPa, said process comprises the steps of forming a first monolayer of polymeric tapes by pre-tensioning the polymeric tapes and subsequently positioning the polymeric tapes under tension in a unidirectional, parallel manner, forming at least a second monolayer over the first monolayer in the same manner the first monolayer is formed, thereby stacking the at least two monolayers of polymeric tapes in such a way that the direction of the polymeric tapes is the same in every monolayer and that the polymeric tapes of each monolayer are offset to the tapes of the adjoining monolayer above or below that monolayer consolidating the thus stacked monolayers of polymeric tapes to obtain a laminate.

Abstract: A method of forming an elastomeric laminate having targeted elastic properties for use in personal care articles is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the method comprises providing first and second nonwoven webs; providing a core layer of elastomeric material under tension; sandwiching the core layer between the first and second nonwoven webs; bonding the core layer to at least one of the first and second nonwoven webs; providing an elastomeric film ribbon web under tension; sandwiching the elastomeric film ribbon web between the first and second nonwoven webs; and fusing the elastomeric film ribbon web to the first and second nonwoven webs. In particular embodiments, the core layer of elastomeric material is an elastomeric film web core layer. In particular embodiments, the elastomeric film ribbon web, the core layer, or both is/are bonded to the first and second nonwoven webs solely by fusing, without the use of adhesive.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus. The apparatus includes a processing chamber containing a substrate and processing the substrate by using a processing solution and a supplying unit supplying the processing solution to the processing chamber. The supplying unit includes a supply line through which the processing solution is supplied, a preliminary heater installed on the supply line and preliminary heating the processing solution, a main heater installed on the supply line at a lower stream of the preliminary heater and secondarily heating the processing solution, a first detour line connected to the supply line to detour to the preliminary heater and comprising a first valve, a second detour line connected to the supply line to detour the preliminary heater and the main heater or the main heater and comprising a second valve, and a controller controlling the first valve and the second valve.

Abstract: A substrate treatment apparatus is provided, which includes: a seal chamber including a chamber body having an opening, a lid member provided rotatably with respect to the chamber body and configured to close the opening, and a first liquid seal structure which liquid-seals between the lid member and the chamber body, the seal chamber having an internal space sealed from outside; a lid member rotating unit which rotates the lid member; a substrate holding/rotating unit which holds and rotates a substrate in the internal space of the seal chamber; and a treatment liquid supplying unit which supplies a treatment liquid to the substrate rotated by the substrate holding/rotating unit.

Abstract: Plasma distribution is controlled in a plasma reactor by controlling the phase difference between opposing RF electrodes, in accordance with a desired or user-selected phase difference, by a phase-lock feedback control loop.

Abstract: Plasma distribution is controlled in a plasma reactor by controlling the phase differences between different RF coil antennas, in accordance with a desired or user-selected phase difference, by a phase-lock feedback control loop.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a process container configured to accommodate a target substrate and to be vacuum-exhausted. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed opposite each other within the process container. The first electrode includes an outer portion and an inner portion both facing the second electrode such that the outer portion surrounds the inner portion. An RF power supply is configured to apply an RF power to the outer portion of the first electrode. A DC power supply is configured to apply a DC voltage to the inner portion of the first electrode. A process gas supply unit is configured to supply a process gas into the process container, wherein plasma of the process gas is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: Embodiments include a base for an electrostatic chuck (ESC) assembly for supporting a workpiece during a manufacturing operation in a processing chamber, such as a plasma etch, clean, deposition system, or the like. Inner and outer fluid conduits are disposed in the base to conduct a heat transfer fluid. In embodiments, a counter-flow conduit configuration provides improved temperature uniformity. The conduit segments in each zone are interlaced so that fluid flows are in opposite directions in radially adjacent segments. In embodiments, each separate fluid conduit formed in the base comprises a channel formed in the base with a cap e-beam welded to a recessed lip of the channel to make a sealed conduit. To further improve the thermal uniformity, a compact, tri-fold channel segment is employed in each of the outer fluid loops. In further embodiments, the base includes a multi-contact fitting RF and DC connection, and thermal breaks.

Abstract: To manufacture a ceramic coated article, at least one surface of a conductive article is roughened to a roughness of approximately 100 micro-inches (?in) to approximately 300 ?in. The conductive article may then be heated and coated with a ceramic coating comprising a yttrium containing oxide to a thickness of approximately 10-40 mil.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide electrostatic chucks for operating at elevated temperatures. One embodiment of the present invention provides a dielectric chuck body for an electrostatic chuck. The dielectric chuck body includes a substrate supporting plate having a top surface for receiving a substrate and a back surface opposing the top surface, an electrode embedded in the substrate supporting plate, and a shaft having a first end attached to the back surface of the substrate supporting plate and a second end opposing the first end. The second end is configured to contact a cooling base and provide temperature control to the substrate supporting plate. The shaft is hollow having a sidewall enclosing a central opening, and two or more channels formed through the sidewall and extending from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: A method of reusing a consumable part for use in a plasma processing apparatus includes cleaning a surface of the consumable part made of SiC that has been eroded by a first plasma process performed for a specific period of time. The method further includes depositing SiC on the cleaned surface of the eroded consumable part by CVD. The method also includes remanufacturing a consumable part having a predetermined shape by machining the eroded consumable part on which the SiC is deposited for performing a second plasma process on a substrate by using the remanufactured consumable part.

Abstract: A label sticking apparatus may include a release paper supply part in which a release paper held; a release paper collecting part in which the release paper is held; a release paper feed mechanism structured to feed the release paper from the release paper supply part to the release paper collecting part; a label peeling mechanism structured to bend the release paper and peel the adhesive label from the release paper; and a label pressing mechanism structured to press the adhesive label against the adhered medium. The label peeling mechanism may include a movable member which is movable between a bending position where the release paper is bent so that the adhesive label is peeled from the release paper and a bending relaxing position where a bending state of the release paper is relaxed so that the adhesive label is not peeled from the release paper.

Abstract: An optical fiber fusion-splicing device is equipped with a fusing unit disposed on a housing, which fuses optical fibers F to each other, and a windproof cover that prevents winds from entering the fusing unit. The windproof cover is provided with a blocking elastic body arranged so as to block, in cooperation with a blocking elastic body of the housing, an inlet for introducing the optical fiber F into the fusing unit, a bias spring that biases the blocking elastic body toward the blocking elastic body, and a transmission member that transmits a biasing force of the bias spring to the blocking elastic body.

Abstract: End portions of a sheet-shaped rubber member are manually and firmly joined together. A pair of opening/closing members is arranged to sandwich and move along the end portions. An opening/closing mechanism opens/closes the pair of opening/closing members between an open position and a closed position where the end portions are joined together. A pair of guiding rollers is provided to one opening/closing member and guides each of the end portions to a joining position. A pressing roller is provided to the other opening/closing member and presses each of the end portions onto the guiding roller. A pair of joining rollers is provided to the pair of opening/closing members, respectively, and sandwiches each of the end portions guided by the pair of guiding rollers. The joining rollers roll on each of the opposing end portions and abut and join the end portions to each other.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tool having a sonotrode having a single weld region and two nodal regions formed on either side of the weld region. Two rigid mount boosters are each coupled to either side of the weld region. One transducer is coupled to one of the rigid mount boosters. Two ultrasonic stack mounting rings are each configured to be coupled to a housing assembly at a non-nodal region and coupled to one of the rigid mount boosters at a nodal region.

Abstract: A feeder capable of transferring and separating an adhesive component on a tap, includes a frame, a separator, and a drive device. The frame has a top portion for supporting the tap. The separator is mounted to the frame to separate the adhesive component from the tap when the tap passes through the separator. The drive device drives the tap to pass through the separator.

Abstract: An adjustable window awning/light shelf includes a canopy attached to supports on both sides of the window. The supports are engaged with vertical drive screws providing for the possibility of moving the canopy up and down. Each drive screw is connected with a common drive shaft. During the cooling season, the canopy is disposed at the top of the window, shading the window from the sun. During the heating season, the canopy is brought down to the bottom of the window by rotating the drive shaft, which in turn rotates the drive screws and moves the supports with the canopy down. Canopy's angle relative to the window increases. When in the bottom position, the awning performs as a light shelf, reflecting sunlight into the window and increasing the amount of sunlight and solar heat entering the building through the window.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include movable partitions and devices, methods and systems that help to limit or prevent lateral displacement of movable partitions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a movable partition includes two structures, each structure having a first plurality of panels, and each panel being hingedly coupled to an adjacent panel. The two panels are each supported from an overhead track at laterally spaced locations. One or more lateral restraint devices are supported from the overhead track at a location between the two laterally spaced structures. The lateral restraint device may include a trolley disposed in a channel of the overhead track and an elongated member coupled with the trolley and extending away from the trolley to a location proximate a lower edge of the first structure and a lower edge of the second structure.

Abstract: Presented is a roller shade mounting bracket. The bracket includes a main bracket that includes a top member defining a plurality of elongated openings extending therethrough, where each elongated opening is dimensioned and arranged for receiving a mounting screw and enabling movement along a first axis. The bracket further includes a first sub-bracket movably coupleable to the main bracket, where the first sub-bracket is movable along a second axis. The bracket further includes a second sub-bracket movably coupleable to the first sub-bracket and coupleable to a roller shade motor or a roller shade idler, where the second sub-bracket is movable along a third axis and rotatable about the first axis.

Abstract: A roller shutter for an opening leaf of a building, includes a retractable shut-off panel that moves between retracted and deployed positions, and a guide to selectively guide the panel a path between the retracted position and a deployed position in a first plane, and another path is a path between the retracted position and a deployed position in a second plane parallel to said first plane. The guide selectively switches movement of between said first path and said second path. A deployment-switching stop guides the shut-off panel along the second path when the shut-off panel is in contact with the deployment switching stop and the shaft is driven in a direction of rotation for deployment.

Abstract: A construction for use in mounting a blind (earlier called a Venetian blind, in the United States) over a wide window, e.g., a window well in excess of 4 feet, where tying to the foundation is awkward. The construction involves a pair of telescoping tubes that are able to span the full width of the window and are anchored at their ends to the supporting structure (i.e., the foundation of the house or other building) with end brackets. The tubes have enough structural stiffness and resistance to twisting to support the blind (vertically) without requiring any mid-span attachment. Hence, there is no need to tie in to the window frame or any metal as been the case in the past, and the warranty of durability of the window manufacturer is not compromised.

Abstract: Provided are surfactant compositions and their use for deinking various substrates, such as waste paper. The compositions comprise: (a) an alkyldiphenyloxide disulfonate compound of formula (I): wherein R1 at each occurrence is independently C6-C18 alkyl, M+ is H+ or a monovalent cation, p and q are independently 0 or 1 provided that at least one of p and q is 1; and (b) a nonionic surfactant of formula (II): wherein X and Y are independently ethylene oxide or propylene oxide, m and n are independently integers ranging from 0 to 50, provided that at least one of m and n is not 0, z is an integer ranging from 1 to 50, and R is RA or RA—C(?O)— wherein RA is C4-C22 alkyl or C4-C22 alkenyl.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cellulose fiber assembly and a cellulose fiber composite, each having low coloration. The present invention is directed to a method for preparing a fibrillated cellulose fiber assembly, in which the cellulose fiber raw materials are subjected to a fibrillation treatment and a reduction treatment. The present invention provides a method for preparing a cellulose fiber assembly, comprising a fibrillation step of fibrillating cellulose fiber raw materials to obtain fibrillated cellulose fibers, an assembly preparation step of obtaining a cellulose fiber assembly using the fibrillated cellulose fibers, and a step of carrying out a reduction treatment. Further, the present invention provides a cellulose fiber composite comprising the prepared cellulose fiber assembly and a matrix material.

Abstract: A process for making a stiffened and rigid paper includes preparing a pulp slurry consisting essentially of water, a cellulosic pulp, a crosslinker, and a starch, and optionally a binder; draining the liquid from the pulp slurry to form a web; and drying the web. Alternatively, a process for making a stiffened and rigid paper includes the step of adding at least one crosslinker at one or more locations, such as at the wet-end, dry-end, or at both ends of the papermaking process. Suitable crosslinkers include a glyoxal-containing crosslinker, a gluteraldehyde, a polyfunctional aziridine, a zirconium-containing crosslinker, a titanium-containing crosslinker, and an epichlorohydrin, and mixtures thereof. When a binder is employed, it can be added either in the dry or wet form. Provided is a neutral or alkaline process to produce a paper product having the improved mechanical properties of a laminated product in the Z-direction, without a lamination step.

Abstract: The starch composition comprises a cationic, cross-linked starch that is partly swollen and partly gelatinized. It has a gelatinization coefficient gT smaller than 0.7 with T the jet cooking temperature. The starch composition suitably comprises a wheat starch or a blend of a wheat starch and another starch, for instance a root or tuber starch.