Abstract: The foam process is used to make non-woven webs from cellulose or synthetic fibers, which webs have as a component super absorbent polymer (SAP). In order to minimize water absorbency by the SAP, it may have a protective coating that dissolves only after in contact with water a few seconds; the SAP may be frozen (e.g. to about -18.degree. C.); and/or the SAP may be transported by highly chilled (e.g. about 1.degree. C.) water. The SAP, and liquid or foam carrier, is fed as a small volume flow into a conduit carrying a high volume flow of a fiber containing foam slurry, just before a foraminous element. A mechanical mixer may be provided in the conduit for mixing the SAP with the fiber-foam slurry. The addition of the SAP to the carrier fluid takes place no more than ten seconds (preferably no more than five seconds) before the fiber-foam slurry mixed with SAP is brought into operative association with one or more foraminous elements.

Abstract: A smooth-textured non-woven, superabsorbent particle-impregnated fibrous structure is disclosed. The web exhibits an improved smooth surface texture. The structure contains from 50% to 80% of ion sensitive SAP having a particle size of less than 200 microns, wood pulp fibers and cellulose acetate fibers, each in preferred specified amounts indicated herein. The superabsorbent, ion sensitive polymer particle-impregnated fibrous structure is made from an aqueous, wet-lay process in which an aqueous furnish comprises solids of fibers and superabsorbent, ion sensitive polymer and dissolved salt, such as preferrably, Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4. The furnish is passed over a moving foraminous support, such as a Fourdrinier wire, and a wet web structure is formed, followed by drying.

Abstract: Process for making polyamine-epihalohydrin resin products having very low levels of epihalohydrin or epihalohydrin hydrolyzates, particularly useful in papermaking, which includes, amongst other features, producing a polyamine-epihalohydrin polymer in aqueous solution, terminating the reaction by cooling, adjusting the pH of the polyamine-epihalohydrin solution to from about 7.5 to about 11 and concurrently heating the solution to about 35 to about 50.degree. C., and contacting the aqueous solution with selected microorganisms or an enzyme, and deactivating or removing the enzymes or microbes, cooling to about 20.degree. C. and stabilizing the composition by adjusting the pH to about 2.0 to 5.0 by the addition of acid.

Abstract: Processes for increasing the strength of cellulosic fibers are carried out by contacting relatively dry cellulosic fibers with an agent in particulate or vapor form comprising a carboxylic acid cyclic anhydride at an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to significantly increase the bonding strength of the fibers. The treated fibers bond more readily to one another and they also hold wet and dry strength aids more strongly. Furthermore, the treatment does not significantly affect the internal chemical structure of the fibers so that paper made from the fibers exhibits overall improved dimensional stability.

Abstract: Metal oxides or metal hydroxides, such as titanium dioxide, are incorporated into papermaking fibers by absorbing an organometallic compound into the fiber walls while the fibers are dry or slurried with a non-aqueous solvent and thereafter contacting the ester-containing fibers with water to precipitate the metal oxides or metal hydroxides. The resulting modified fibers can provide greater opacity and other improved properties to papers made from such fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to the rehydration of once-dried fiber for use in a papermaking furnish. Such a rehydration of this type, generally, employs temperature, pressure and refining to make the once-dried fiber behave more like a virgin fiber. Thus, higher levels of once-dried fiber can be used without sacrificing paper formation, surface smoothness, and productivity (drainage).

Abstract: A rapid bleaching process for cellulosic materials such as cotton and cotton blends. The bleaching liquor includes a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, potassium hydroxide and a stabilizer combined with controlled time and temperature to produce a rapid bleach in about 10 minutes or less. The resulting textile goods are soft, absorbent, mote-free with a Hunter Scale Whiteness Value of greater than about 110 and less than about 0.65% extractable solids.

Abstract: Wood pulp sheets treated with triacetin and other compounds, or solutions or emulsions of same, having increased softness while maintaining absorbency, and methods for producing same. More particularly, the invention relates to the treatment of wood pulp useful for making a fluff pulp using a softening agent including alkyl ethers, aryl ethers and formic, ethanoic and propanoic esters of low molecular weight glycols, such as triacetin, propylene glycol diacetate and 2-phenoxyethanol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating cellulosic fibers using an alkali metal hydroxide. The process first prepares the cellulosic fibers as a high consistency mixture with water and then adds an alkali metal hydroxide. The high consistency process is quite efficient and has been found to produce cellulosic fibers that are essentially uniformly treated. Also disclosed is a handsheet prepared from the treated cellulosic fibers for use is disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: A method of producing a soft paper product incudes, a) providing a pulp sheet at a moisture content of no greater than about 10%, the pulp of said sheet not having been previously subjected to dry milling and not being predominately anfractuous; b) treating the pulp sheet at moisture content of no greater than about 10% with liquid ammonia of a concentration of at least 90% for a period of time less than or equal to about 60 seconds effective to increase degree of softness in the sheet of pulp from that existing prior to the treating, the pulp in the treated sheet remaining not predominately anfractuous after said treating; c) forming the treated pulp sheet into a papermaking slurry; and d) feeding the papermaking slurry into the headbox of a paper machine and producing a tissue paper product therefrom which has greater softness than a tissue paper product made from the same pulp which has not been so treated with said ammonia.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating cellulosic fibers using high temperatures that is effective to result in modified cellulosic fibers that exhibit desired properties such as water retention values and wet curl values. The high temperature process is quite efficient and has been found to produce cellulosic fibers that are essentially uniformly treated. Also disclosed is a handsheet prepared from the treated cellulosic fibers for use in disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: A process is disclosed which utilizes the "non-papermaking" portion of waste paper to produce a highly absorbent, essentially fiber-free granule which can be used, for example, as an agricultural chemical carrier. The process maximizes the amount of long (papermaking) fiber sent to the paper machine. The waste paper is broken up in a hydropulper, and the pulp stock is screened so that papermaking fibers are retained and sent forward to the papermaking process, and the solid material in the reject stream, such as kaolin clay and inorganic materials pass through a flotation clarifier to separate the solids. The slurry is then dewatered by means of a belt press to form a filter cake. The filter cake then enters a pin mixer where it is broken up into individual granules. The granules are then dried to a solids content of greater than 95%.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for making a non-woven, wet-laid, superabsorbent polymer-impregnated structure. The process generally comprises the steps of: mixing; deliquifying; and drying. Specifically, fibers, superabsorbent polymers, and a liquid are mixed to form a furnish. The liquid is treated with a means for inhibiting the swelling of the superabsorbent polymer. Then, the furnish is deliquified to form a preformed structure. The preformed structure is dried to form the non-woven, wet-laid, superabsorbent polymer-impregnated structure.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing a fibrillated cellulose acetate fiber comprising contacting cellulose acetate fiber with a strong base solution at conditions sufficient to remove greater than about 5% of bulk acetyl groups from said cellulose acetate fiber. Modified cellulose acetate staple fiber comprising an outer layer of regenerated cellulose in which at least about 5% of the acetyl groups are removed on an overall fiber basis are also disclosed. Paper products incorporating said fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Wood pulp sheets treated with triacetin and other compounds, or solutions or emulsions of same, having increased softness while maintaining absorbency, and methods for producing same. More particularly, the invention relates to the treatment of wood pulp useful for making a fluff pulp using a softening agent including alkyl ethers or aryl ethers and esters of low molecular weight glycols, such as triacetin, propylene glycol diacetate and 2-phenoxyethanol.

Abstract: A water absorbent cross-linked, carboxyalkylated cellulose-containing material is produced by impregnating a cellulose-containing material with an aqueous reaction solution including a carboxyalkylating agent, an alkali metal hydroxide, and a cross-linking agent dissolved in water in an initial content of 50 to 90% by weight, the molar ratio of the carboxylating agent to glucose groups of cellulose being 0.7 to 2.0; adjusting the water content of the aqueous reaction solution impregnated in the cellulose-containing material to 20 to 60% by weight and of at least 5% by weight below the initial water content by evaporating a portion of water; and subjecting the water content-adjusted cellulose-containing material to a simultaneous cross-linking and carboxylating reaction procedure at 50.degree. to 110.degree. C., while maintaining the water content at 20 to 60% and of at least 5% by weight below the initial water content.

Abstract: An oriented strand board (OSB)-fiberboard composite structure is comprised of a baseboard having three wood strand layers, the wood strands being oriented in space with respect to a board forming machine such that a core layer is comprised of wood strands oriented generally in a random or cross-machine direction and each adjacent layer is comprised of coarse and fine wood strands oriented generally in the machine direction. In a preferred embodiment, the wood strands comprising each adjacent OSB layer are formed with the coarsest strands located nearest the core layer and the finest strands are located nearest the outer surfaces of each outer board layer. The OSB-fiberboard composite product is clad with a wood fiber overlay on one major surface of the baseboard. The composite board is manufactured without warping, by providing particular OSB layer thicknesses, such that the lower OSB layer is about 25% to about 35% thicker than the OSB layer bonded to the fiberboard.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making paper utilizing glucans, produced by the glucosyltransferase C enzyme of the species Streptococcus mutans, instead of modified starches. The present glucans are functionally similar to the hydroxethyl modified starch and are particularly useful in the coating step of paper manufacture. The present glucans also exhibit thermoplastic properties and impart gloss to the paper during the coating step.

Abstract: Heat-treated-in-air high lignin content cellulosic fibers which are free of moieties from crosslinking agents, for use in absorbent structures, are prepared by fluffing high lignin content fibers at a consistency of at least 40%, and heating in air at atmospheric pressure at a temperature ranging from 120.degree. C. to 280.degree. C. fluffed fiber water admixture having a consistency of at least 60% or moisture-free fluffed fibers, to remove any moisture content and heat treat the resulting moisture-free high lignin content fibers for at least 5 seconds, or by heating a sheet of dry (0-40% moisture content) high lignin content fibers utilizing these same heating conditions and then fluffing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for treating filter rods comprising cellulose acetate tow waste comprising the steps of:a. cutting said filter rods so that fiber of said cellulose acetate have a fiber length of less than about 4 inches; andb. treating said cut filter rods with an aqueous base until at least 5% of acetyl groups on said cellulose acetate has been hydrolyzed.Filter rods treated in this manner are suitable for use in various paper products. The process of the present invention may further include a step for repulping the cut filter rods to repulp any included plugwrap.Modified fiber comprising cellulose acetate wherein at least 5% of acetyl groups on said cellulose acetate have been hydrolyzed, said fiber having a length of less than about 4 inches, are also disclosed.Paper products comprising between about 5 and about 90% of the fiber of claim 21 and paper pulp are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing linerboard or corrugated medium.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing, in a continuous throughput, high quality paper from recycled waste paper utilizing high consistency, low shear pulping, followed by a series of cleaning steps to produce a wet, friable pulp which is digested and optionally bleached. The resulting pulp can be run on a paper machine alone or blended with virgin pulp to produce a paper containing at least 5% by weight recycled paper with less than 20 ppm per unit area solid non-fibrous contaminants larger than 0.3 mm.sup.2, and which may be blade coated on a high speed paper machine. The pulp and paper produced by the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The specification discloses an unorthodox system for manufacturing strong, light-weight and weather-resistant cellulosic composite materials from discarded paper and newsprint, and papermill sludge--and from an unlimited variety of particulated fibrous lignocellulosics--without the use of an extrinsic adhesive. Both the matrix-forming resin and the fiber-substrate, which comprise the entire composite, are spontaneously created in situ at ambient conditions by the ammoniation of a mixture of a protein-containing material and a particulated cellulosic. Heating an article shaped from such a mixture to above 175.degree. C. polymerizes the resin and bonds the fiber-substrate into a cellulosic composite product. Also disclosed is a process for manufacturing reinforced and laminated composites as well as a composition which simplifies the production of both cellulosic composites and all-biomass thermosetting resins.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the freeness of paper pulp, which comprises the steps of adding to the pulp from about 0.5 to about 2.5 kilograms per ton based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a cellulolytic enzyme at the vertical tank of the papermaking process, allowing the pulp to contact the cellulolytic enzyme for from about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes, adding at least 0.011%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a water soluble cationic polymer, adding at least 0.007%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a water soluble anionic polymer and forming the thus treated pulp into paper.

Abstract: A process for improving the freeness of paper pulp, which comprises the steps of adding to the pulp at least 0.05%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a cellulolytic enzyme, allowing the pulp to contact the cellulolytic enzyme for from about 40 minutes to about 60 minutes at a temperature of at least 40.degree. C., adding at least 0.011%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a water soluble cationic polymer, adding at least 0.007%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a water soluble anionic or nonionic polymer and forming the thus treated pulp into paper.

Abstract: A ceramic forming paper sheet is prepared by dispersing in water a ceramic-forming powder, a thermoplastic pulp and wood pulp, flocculating the dispersion by adding a cationic wet strength resin and an anionic polymer, dewatering the flocculated dispersion to form a sheet, and wet pressing and drying the sheet. The sheets can be stacked, and pressed or thermoformed, followed by firing to consolidate the sheets to a ceramic.

Abstract: A process for the production of and a composition of redispersible mechanically disassembled cellulose and the resultant product, referred to as microdenominated cellulose (MDC). The process is characterized by drying the MDC in the presence of a dispersion agent. The product is characterized by a settled volume of greater than 50%, as determined on the basis of a 1% by weight suspension in water after twenty-four hours, and a water retention value of over 350%. MDC is useful as an ingredient in foods, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

Abstract: A process for improving the freeness of paper pulp, which comprises the steps of adding to the pulp at least 0.05%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a cellulolytic enzyme, allowing the pulp to contact the cellulolytic enzyme for from about 40 minutes to about 60 minutes at a temperature of at least 40.degree. C., adding at least 0.011%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a water soluble cationic polymer, adding at least 0.007%, based on the dry weight of the pulp, of a water soluble anionic or nonionic polymer and forming the thus treated pulp into paper.

Abstract: A cellulosic fiber of improved wettability comprising cellulosic fibers with small discrete crystal domain of ionic salt attached to the surface of the fiber. The method of making the cellulosic fiber of improved wettability is also claimed.

Abstract: Cellulosic pulps of selected fiber morphology are disclosed having a coarseness less than a threshold coarseness level. The threshold coarseness level is a function of average fiber length. The cellulosic pulps are especially useful for producing paper structures such as tissue paper. A method for producing the cellulosic pulps is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing crosslinked individualized cellulosic fibers wherein drying and curing are carried out in two separate stages while the fibers are entrained in turbulent pressurized superheated steam at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing crosslinked individualized cellulosic fibers wherein drying and curing are carried out in two separate stages while the fibers are entrained in turbulent pressurized superheated steam at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: Degradable particulate absorbent materials and processes for manufacture, wherein the absorbent materials have: i) in most forms of the invention, on the order of not more than 10% by weight inorganic solids or "fillers" and in all cases less than 30% inorganic solids by weight; ii) an open, porous, shot-like fiber structure with low bulk density on the order of not more than 30 lbs./ft..sup.3 and, preferably, in the range of 15 to 18 lbs./ft..sup.3.

Abstract: Composition board and various other synthetic or artificial panel and the like structures a well as manually-formable compositions of paste-like consistency for substitution as putty, caulking or molding clays, etc., all of which can be internally reinforced for better-strength structural purposes, are fabricated and made into desired strong and excellently-utile shaped article products of manufacture and the like under various forming conditions for the purpose from coarse paper starting material (viz, common "newsprint", kraft paper, cardboards, etc.) which starting material may optionally have "wet" sawdust and/or other undried cellulosic inclusions therein all of which, advantageously and economically, is converted by treatment thereof with certain non-azotizing, non-alklai, nascently-operative and -reacting strong oxidizing agents including such things as common household bleach (i.e.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a quantity of individual treated fibers from one or more fiber mats in a treatment apparatus. The apparatus comprises a fiber treatment zone, a conveyor for conveying each mat through the fiber treatment zone, wherein each mat is impregnated by an applicator with a crosslinking substance, and directly to an attrition device. The attrition device fiberizes the mats to form a fiber output having a low nit level, such as no more than about three, and a dryer for both drying the fiber output and curing the crosslinking substance. The fiberizer is configured to have minimize the accumulation of fiber at locations therein. An optional component of the fiberizer is a novel fluff generator comprised of multiple rotors each having plural longitudinally extended rows of radially extending rotor pins that rotate past groups of shorter pins mounted on the inside surface of the fluff generator housing.

Abstract: A cellulosic fiber of improved wettability comprising cellulosic fibers with small discrete crystal domain of ionic salt attached to the surface of the fiber. The method of making the cellulosic fiber of improved wettability is also claimed.

Abstract: A pulp dryer screen assembly includes a rectangular screen, a rectangular frame having four interconnected, elongated frame members and four support members, each support member being adjacent a frame member and aligned therewith. The screen has a taut inner portion and surrounding edge portions clamped between the frame members and adjacent support members. The inner portion of the screen has a pulp fiber collecting surface which has an upstream side with respect to air flow and extends along a plane. The frame and support members are entirely on a downstream side of the plane opposite the upstream side. Preferably the frame members are square tubes, and the support members have orthogonal Z-sections for small screens, and at least two orthogonal W-sections for large screens. The screen is tightened within the frame by drawing opposite support members away from each other to clamp edge portions of the screen between the support members and the frame. The support members are then connected to the frame.

Abstract: A fluffy pulp previously dried, having a consistency by 90%, is introduced in a baler where it is subjected to a carbon dioxide comprising atmosphere in order to both reduce or eliminate the fire risk in the baler and to decrease the pH of the pulp by chemically reacting with it. Both gaseous and liquid (snow) carbon dioxide can be used. Preferably, carbon dioxide snow is injected at the bottom of the baler to accelerate the pH control of the pulp, just before compressing the pulp in bales, which compression enhances the pH control reaction between the pulp and the carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a product easy to disintegrate, containing cellulose-containing fiber material, which has such a strength, that it can be reeled up or handled in sheet shape for storage and transport, without the addition of chemicals, which increase the bonding strength between the fibers. The product is characterized in that it has a density of 550-1000 kg/m.sup.3, a bursting index of 0.15-0.50 MN/kg and a grammage of 300-1500 gm.sup.2, and that the product has a dry solids content of 70-95%.

Abstract: Cellulose pulp compositions of selected fiber morphology are disclosed. Of particular interest, are morphological forms of wood fibers with the potential to achieve improved paper strength without suffering the penalty of slow drainage rate. These cellulose pulps are especially useful for efficiently producing paper structures such as tissue paper of requisite strength.

Abstract: Mixed polysaccharide compositions, well adopted for flocculating/precipitating solid particulates from liquid dispersions thereof and for the shaping of insulating articles therefrom, comprise (i) at least one polysaccharide prepared by microbial fermentation, the basic recurring structural unit of which comprising both glucose and rhamnose moieties, and (ii) at least one cationic natural polysaccharide or derivative thereof.

Abstract: A process for removing PCDD's and PCDF's from cellulose-containing fibers such as waste paper is provided. The process comprises contacting the fibers with supercritical or near supercritical carbon dioxide for a period of time sufficient to extract a substantial portion of the PCDD's and PCDF's without substantially damaging the fibers. Extraction efficiencies of greater than 95% have been achieved with the technique.

Abstract: Adhesive paper tape, obtainable by impregnating and coating a paper which, immediately after the production process and still in the moist state, has been compressed between a rotating roller and a rotating web, and dried and which hasa mean weight of 45-80 g/m.sup.2a mean extensibility of 8-20%a means tensile strength of at least 35N/15 mm anda mean thickness of at most 0.13 mm.

Abstract: A process for reducing the energy requirements for drying a cellulosic pulp slurry by contacting a pulp slurry with sodium sulfate before web formation, dewatering and drying.

Abstract: The machinability of a papermaking composition of recycled fibers is improved by treating the fibrous composition with an enzyme preparation which acts on all or part of the cellulose fiber components, causing an improvement in the drainability of the water through the fibrous layer.

Abstract: A method of processing pulp laps and a soluble strap material for holding such laps in a bale are disclosed. In accordance with the method the laps are maintained in the configuration of the bale by soluble straps comprised of PVA and are immersed in a pulping bath while still confined by the straps. The straps rupture and dissolve in the pulping bath releasing the paper laps. The straps are formed to maximize exposure of the PVA increments to the pulping bath to accelerate dissolving and may incorporate fillers of pulpable material to maintain the PVA increments in a separated condition.

Abstract: Dry market pulp is made by shearing a cellulosic suspension and draining it through a screen to form a pulp sheet which is then dried, and the productivity of the process is increased by adding a water soluble cationic polymer before the shearing and bentonite or other suitable inorganic material after the shearing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dividing and uniting flows of high-consistency fibre suspensions. To prevent clogging of the distributor the fibre suspension is caused to flow into a space unitting the inlet and the outlet flows, where a turbulent flow extending to the valves regulating the discharge flow is created. The distributor includes a vortex chamber provided with an inlet and outlets and with regulating valves connected to the outlets and disposed at a short distance from the outlets. According to a preferred embodiment of the the invention, a rotor provided with vanes is disposed in the vortex chamber.

Abstract: Degradable particulate absorbent materials, together with processes for manufacture thereof, wherein the absorbent materials: (i) have, in most forms of the invention, only on the order of 0% to 10%, by weight, of inorganic solids or "fillers", and in all forms have less than 30% inorganic solids by weight; (ii) are not in pellet form; (iii) are characterized by an open porous fiber structure having relatively low bulk densities on the order of not more than 13 lbs./ft..sup.3 and preferably only from about 6 to about 10 lbs./ft..sup.

Abstract: A liquid absorbing pad, in particular for use in hygiene articles and sanitary products, such as diapers, bed pads, sanitary napkins, pads for incontinence, panty shields, nursing pads or the like, is produced in a dry and direct process on the basis of wet-strength and/or coated paper waste, especially originating from the production of food packages, milk carton packages, deep-freeze packages, disposable tableware and the like. The waste is cut and defibrated, and during the defibration or just before it a maximum of 25% by volume, based on the volume of the paper waste, of a mixture of water and a surfactant is added to reestablish the absorption capacity of the fibres. Starting materials otherwise difficult to process can thus be used in a dry and direct process.