Abstract: A non-woven web of cellulosic synthetic fibrous material is produced using a twin wire former. The former may have a closed first end and closed first and second sides, and a second end provided by first and second moving foraminous elements. An interior structure between the sides and second end may have at least first and second different length pluralities of conduits extending from the former first end toward the second end, and defining by themselves, or with wall elements, the interior volume into a first volume and a second volume on opposite sides thereof. A first fiber/foam slurry is introduced into the first volume and a second fiber/foam slurry in the second volume, and suction box assemblies are provided on the opposite sides of the foraminous elements from the interior volume for withdrawing foam from the slurries to forming a non-woven web on the foraminous elements.

Abstract: Expanded cellular structures are formed from dense nonporous cellulose paper with an air permeance of less than 30 ml/min which cellular structure is provided with a shape retention of at least 90%. The shape stability is obtained by forming the cellular structure, spraying with an aqueous liquid and heating, the amount of liquid, time and temperature of heating being selected and sufficient to provide the desired shape retention. The minimum amount of water is at least 30 weight % of dry paper more usually at least 75% with minimum heating of 1 minute at 100° C.

Abstract: In an assembly and method for producing a non-woven web of fibrous material utilizing the foam process, an edge seal for the former is provided which can include the introduction of substantially free foam into the edge seal for providing lubrication and to prevent leakage of fiber-containing slurry from the former. Web formation is primarily due to a mechanical force provided by nip rolls, although suction tables and other suction devices are also provided to carry away foam removed by the nip rolls, or at other stages. The foam/fiber slurry may be formed by introducing the foam tangentially into a tank at a plurality of locations to establish a vortex, and by introducing fiber into the top of the tank, and pumping from the bottom of the tank. The foam/fiber slurry may be introduced using a structure that can be reciprocated toward and away from the inlet of the former, and which has a number of changes defined by pivoted or flexible plates to form distinct strata at least at the start of web formation.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method for manufacturing in a foam medium a sheet of paper or non-woven. In the invention, the surfactant used to form the foam is a nonionic compound of an ethoxylated alcohol of the Formula I:R--(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n --OH (I)wherein n is an integer from 2 to 22 and R is a linear or branched alkyl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms or where R is in the form of R'--X wherein X is an aromatic nucleus and R' is a linear or branched alkyl group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms. In particular, the invention applies to making household papers such as paper towels.

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: In a foam laid process for producing a non-woven web of fibrous material (such as of synthetic or cellulose fibers) substantially fiber free foam is introduced at various locations in or adjacent to a headbox to get improved results. By introducing pure foam into the foam-fiber mixture near (e.g. just before) where the foam-fiber mixture is introduced into the headbox a more uniform basis weight profile of the non-woven web produced may be provided (e.g. a basis weight variation of about 0.5% or less). By introducing another stream of substantially fiber free foam into the headbox at a surface remote from the foraminous element, to flow along the surface (typically parallel to the flow of the foam fiber mixture), it is possible to minimize shear of fibers in the headbox so that the fibers do not become unidirectional, in the direction of movement of the foraminous element, and keep the surface clean. The surface is typically a roof surface of an inclined headbox.

Abstract: A foamed aqueous dispersion of a mixture of particulate plastics material is formed when the fibers are between 5% and 35% of the volume of the mixture, where no more than about 7% of the volume of the mixture is conductive fibers between about 7 and 20 mm long, and where any other fibers are reinforcing fibers with a high modulus of elasticity and between about 7 and about 50 mm long. A web is formed from the foamed dispersion using a wet laying process. The web is dried and compacted under heat and pressure. The compacted web is cooled to form a consolidated element in which the conductive fibers extend as a conductive lattice. The resulting element can be formed or molded into shielding to provide attenuation of electrical or magnetic fields.

Abstract: Method of producing a nonwoven material by hydroentangling of a fiber web, whereby dry fibers, natural and/or synthetic, are metered into a dispersion vessel, possibly after pre-wetting. The fibers are dispersed in a foamable liquid including water and a tenside for forming a foamed fiber dispersion, which is applied to a wire and drained. The formed fiber web is subjected to hydroentangling directly after forming and the foamable liquid, after having passed through the wire, is recirculated to the dispersion vessel in a simple closed circuit.

Abstract: A process produces foam bodies having various properties and containing cellulose-containing materials broken up and/or partially broken up and/or not broken up, and additives, if need be. The cellulose-containing starting materials are first processed further for forming a moist pulp and subsequently subjected to a heat treatment by microwave radiation. The properties of the foam bodies so produced are predetermined by admixing certain substances intensifying the formation of gas in the pulp, increasing the adhesive bond between the particles in the pulp, or which completely or partially convert into a gas either under the influence of heat or of moisture, thus supporting the foaming. Furthermore, other residual and waste materials can be added during the production process, which may be materials of a silicate nature as well, preferably with the objective of reusing such materials in a useful way and of predetermining at the same time certain product properties of the foam bodies.

Abstract: Method of producing a foam-formed fibre or paper web, whereby a foamed fibre dispersion is formed by dispersing natural and/or synthetic fibres in a foamable liquid comprising water and a tenside in a dispersion vessel (111) and by conveying the foamed fibre dispersion to a wire (118) on a paper machine. The foamed liquid which is removed through the wire (118) is conveyed to a closed foam tank (128) in which a draining of the liquid to the bottom of the tank occurs, whilst the lighter foam is collected in the top of the foam tank. Liquid from the bottom of the foam tank is led to the dispersion vessel (111) via a first pipeline (129), whilst foam passes to the dispersion vessel via a second pipeline (130) in the top of the foam tank where the fibres are added and dispersed in the foamable liquid.

Abstract: A single or multi-ply tissue product includes at least one foam-formed ply incorporating at least about 100 ppm of forming-loop-incorporated surfactant, the ply includes from at least about 50% by weight to about 80% by weight of relatively short, high softness cellulosic fiber formed by chemical pulping of hardwood. The fibers have a weight average fiber length of between about 0.5 to about 2.2 mm, a coarseness of about 7 to about 14 mg of fiber per 100 m of fiber length (mg/100 m). The ply includes from at least about 20% by weight to about 50% by weight of relatively long strength-enhancing cellulosic fiber chosen from chemically pulped softwood fiber and chemi-thermo-mechanically pulped softwood fiber and mixtures thereof. The strength-enhancing cellulosic fiber have a weight average fiber length of about 2 to about 4 mm, a coarseness of about 14 to about 28 mg/100 m. Optionally, up to about 30% by weight of bulk-enhancing fibers having a three-dimensional anfractuous character may be provided.

Abstract: A web of nonwoven fibers and thermoplastic matrix polymer is provided that is capable of yielding improved physical properties for articles molded from the web. Also provided are the aqueous dispersion to produce the web and the dried web as a laminate so that it can be molded into shaped articles. The web in addition to the fibers and thermoplastic matrix polymer has a chemically modified thermoplastic polymer. This material can be added to the web by direct addition to the aqueous dispersion or by presence in a mat binder which is applied to the web. Generally, the amount of the chemically modified thermoplastic material present in the web is in the range of around 0.1 to 20 weight percent of the web. When the chemically coupled thermoplastic polymer is added as a mat binder, it can be accompanied by an electron donating organo coupling agent, a stabilizing agent such as one or more carboxylic acids and/or anhydrides which may be monocarboxylic, polycarboxylic aliphatic or cyclic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming articles, used as dunnage material, from pulped paper products includes a paper shredder that forms the pulped paper and delivers it to a slurry tank. The slurry tank gravity feeds the slurry into a slurry reservoir where a pump pumps the slurry into molds. A plunger delivers compressed air to the slurry blobs contained within each molds to expand the slurry blobs to the shape of the molds and to force the water in the slurry through an outlet in the bottom of the molds to a vacuum chamber connected to the molds. The delivery of compressed air further forms a cavity within the expanded slurry blobs. During the next four steps, the molds again connect to the vacuum so that additional water is forced from the pulp into the vacuum chamber. Finally, an ejector supplies compressed air to the bottom of the molds such that the finished articles are propelled from the molds onto a conveyor which delivers the cubes to packaging machines.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention comprises a solventless process wherein blends of thermoset polyphenylene oxide and triallylcyanurates can be processed into fiber reinforced laminates, and especially laminates prepared by the Wiggins Teape process. One aspect of the present inventive process comprises blending the polyphenylene powder with a liquid epoxy material, optionally with flame retardants and catalysts, preferably in a high shear mixer at elevated temperature, e.g. in the range of about 100.degree.-130.degree. C. The resultant upstaged or partially-cured blend is sufficiently solidified to be granulated into a powder for Wiggins Teape processing or, optionally, conventional press processing into a fiber reinforced laminates. Resin systems thus-prepared exhibit both improved solderability resistance and improved resistance to organic solvents when compared to thermoplastic systems.

Abstract: Novel multi-layer paper and tissue products are provided, which possess strength, softness and absorbency. The products comprise either at least two foam deposited paper layers, wherein the foams have different air contents therein, or foam and water deposited layers. The layers can be deposited at about identical feed pressures from a single headbox while still possessing differing tensile strength ratios. Novel processes for forming such products are also provided.

Abstract: A method of foam forming of paper includes the steps of metering a controlled feed of fiber dispersed in an aqueous liquid into a dewatering device, wherein the consistency of the fiber dispersed in the aqueous liquid input to the dewatering device is between about 0.5 and about 7% by weight. A uniform continuous strand of semi-moist pulp is obtained wherein the consistency of the semi-moist pulp leaving the dewatering device is between about 8 and 30% by weight. A stream of a foamed aqueous admixture is obtained and introduced into a dispersing mixer having shearing action extending substantially throughout a zone substantially athwart the flow path of the uniform continuous strand and the foamed aqueous stream and forming a stream of dispersed fiber bearing aqueous foam. The dispersed fiber bearing aqueous stream is conducted to the inlet of a positive displacement pump.

Abstract: A foam-formed nonlaminated stratified paper tissue and method of making the same includes a first zone of foam-formed paper tissue formed from a furnish of hardwood fiber. A second zone of foam-formed paper tissue is formed from a furnish of softwood fiber. The second zone is formed unitary and entangled with the first zone to form a nonlaminated stratified paper tissue. A high softness integument is defined adjacent to an outer surface of the first zone and a substratum is defined adjacent to a surface of the second zone spaced away from the integument. The integument on the outer surface of the first zone includes an enriched region having a substantial purity of hardwood fiber and the substratum on the surface of the second zone includes an enriched region having a substantial purity of softwood fiber. The enriched region of substantially pure hardwood fiber provides an extremely soft and smooth surface detectable by human somatic sensibility.

Abstract: A foam-formed nonlaminated stratified paper tissue includes a first layer of bulky anfractuous fiber blend and a second layer of fiber blend having enhanced softness and caliper as compared to a conventional tissue of equivalent basis weight and strength. In a preferred embodiment, the first layer is a fiber blend of a bulky anfractuous fiber and a chemithermomechanical pulp. A method of forming a foam-formed nonlaminated stratified web of paper tissue material includes supplying a first furnish of a bulky anfractuous fiber blend directly to a foraminous support member. A second furnish of fiber blend is supplied onto the first furnish disposed on the foraminous support member. The furnishes may also be supplied in reverse order depending upon the forming configuration of the machine used. The first and second furnishes form a web of paper tissue material which is dried in a drying device to a predetermined dryness.

Abstract: Plant waste products high in cellulose and silica, i.e. rice hulls, are converted into a slurry of water and a silicate cross-linked cellulose polymer by digestion under heat and pressure in the presence of sodium ions and a sulfite. The slurry is treated with conventional foaming agents to form a formed product expanded in volume. The foamed product may be formed into any desired shape or size by extrusion, molding or casting.

Abstract: Low density mineral wool structural panels are manufactured by frothing a dilute aqueous dispersion of mineral wool, lightweight aggregate, binder and a small amount of amine-based cationic surfactant onto a non-woven scrim cover sheet, dewatering the mass and drying it. The froth is a mass of weakly resilient bubbles that rapidly dewater and burst to concentrate the solids in the mass. The bubbles are readily broken without loss of the voided structural configuration by a first application of brief pulses of high vacuum followed by further dewatering under vacuum and rapid drying by passing large volumes of air through the voided mass without collapse of the structure to result in lightweight structural mineral wool panels.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of very low density mineral wool structural panels on a moving foraminous support wire by frothing a dilute aqueous dispersion of mineral wool is disclosed. The forth, a mass of delicate, non-resilient and non-uniform bubbles among the entangled mineral wool fibers readily breaks, is stripped of water and dried without substantial loss of the highly open, porous structural configuration by a first controlled rate of maturation dewatering followed by brief pulses of high vacuum. Then the open structure is rapidly stripped of remaining water and dried by passing high volumes of heated dry air through the structure with continued vacuum. The drainage water may be recycled in the process to maintain a low level of binder and any frothing aid additions.

Abstract: A process for forming a homogeneous sheet from particulate elements, (as herein defined), at least some of which have an inherent vertical mobility (as herein defined) in water at normal temperature and pressure of from about 1 to about 21 cms/sec, which comprises the steps of forming a foamed dispersion of said particulate elements, and depositing and draining said dispersion on a foraminous support.

Abstract: A layer of particulate material is formed by forming a foamed dispersion of a particulate material, supplying the foamed dispersion to a predetermined zone of a plane through which a foraminous element is moving, applying a vacuum to said plane across the zone on the other side of the foraminous element, so as to drain foam and form a particulate layer thereon, removing any free air from the drained foam, and continuously recycling the resulting foam for re-use in forming the foamed particulate dispersion. An apparatus is provided for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A process for preparing a porous random fiber polymeric composite sheet through the addition of a cellulose ether which is selectively soluble or insoluble to a random fiber composite slurry under conditions such that the cellulose ether is insoluble, forming the slurry into a sheet, fusing the organic polymer component of the sheet and heating the sheet to solubilize the cellulose ether whereby voids are formed in the sheet. Before the sheet is treated to remove the cellulose ether, it may be combined with other sheets and densified under heat and pressure. Before removing the cellulose ether, the densified sheet may be heated under reduced pressure to expand or loft the sheet in a direciton normal to the plane of the sheet. A random fiber polymeric composite sheet, a densified sheet and a lofted sheet, each comprising a binder, fusable organic polymer, reinforcing material and a cellulose ether are also provided. The same sheets after removal of the cellulose ether are further provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for laying down a fibrous web from a foam-fiber furnish. A headbox includes walls defining an elongate channel extending transversely of the direction of movement of the forming wire. Foam-forming nozzles are positioned to introduce foam-fiber furnish into the channel for turbulence - inducing impact on an oppositely disposed wall defining the channel. The turbulently flowing foam-fiber furnish is then introduced to the headbox slice for discharge onto the forming wire with minimized MD orientation of the fibers.

Abstract: A board of sandwich construction which comprises two outer preformed support membranes consisting of or comprising fibrous material, the said membranes having interposed therebetween an aerated intermediate layer comprising at least 70% by weight based on the dry board of an unfired clay which contains less than 20% by weight of expandable minerals and the intermediate layer also including fibres therein.The boards of the present invention are intended mainly for use as plasterboard substitute.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the manufacture of a non-woven fibrous web such as paper from a dispersion of fibers in a foamed liquid in which fiber furnished in a foamed liquid comprising a solution of surfactant in water is discharged from a headbox into the nip of a twin forming wire prior to its passage over a forming roll. The water-surfactant solution is drained from the web and recycled as a foamed liquid containing about 65% air in the form of bubbles of from about 20 to about 200 microns in diameter. The foamed liquid is directed into a mix tank wherein a slurry containing fiber at 20% to 55% solids is added and mixed. The mixture is pumped to the headbox and into the nip of the forming wires.

Abstract: Coherent expanded nonwoven sheets having a density of less than 0.16 g/mL are comprised of fibrids of a wholly synthetic polymer, preferably not melting below 130.degree. C., and optionally containing up to 80% by weight floc. The sheet is comprised of a plurality of paper-like membranous layers which join and separate at random throughout the thickness of the sheet to form expanded cells. The expanded nonwoven sheets are prepared by rapid vaporization of water in a wet, never-dried sheet of fibrids containing at least 60% by weight water. Rapid vaporization of the water preferably is induced by dielectric heating. Embossing may be used before or during expansion to produce a sheet which is expanded only in selected areas.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the manufacture of a non-woven fibrous web such as paper from a dispersion of fibers in a foamed liquid. In a preferred embodiment, a solution of surfactant in water is initially discharged from a headbox into the nip of a twin forming wire prior to its passage over a curvilinear path defined by a forming roll. The water-surfactant solution is caused repeatedly to pass through the outer one of the twin forming wires until there is created, and stored in a silo, a foamed liquid containing about 65% air in the form of bubbles of from about 20 to about 200 microns in diameter. The foamed liquid is directed from the silo into a mix tank wherein a slurry containing fibers at 20% to 55% solids is added and mixed. The mixture is pumped to the headbox and into the nip of the forming wires. The outer wire retains the fibers while passing and again foaming the liquid for return to the silo and the mix tank for addition of fibers and return to the headbox.

Abstract: Fibrous webs of improved bulk and softness are produced by subjecting hydrophilic papermaking fibers to mechanical deformation, e.g. hammermilling, sufficient to deform the fibers without substantial fiber breakage, dispersing the resulting curled or kinked fibers, preferably in admixture with conventional papermaking fibers, in an aqueous foam with minimal agitation and holding time and forming a wet laid web from the resulting fiber furnish.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the manufacture of a non-woven fibrous web, such as paper, from a dispersion of fibers in a foamed liquid. In a preferred embodiment, a solution of surfactant in water is initially discharged from a headbox into the nip of a twin forming wire prior to its passage over a curvilinear path defined by a forming roll. The water-surfactant solution is caused repeatedly to pass through the outer one of the twin forming wires until there is created, and stored in a silo, a foamed liquid containing about 65% air in the form of bubbles of from about 20 to about 200 microns in diameter. The foamed liquid is directed from the silo into a mix tank wherein a slurry containing fibers at 20% to 55% solids is added and mixed. The mixture is pumped to the headbox and into the nip of the forming wires. The outer wire retains the fibers while passing and again foaming the liquid for return to the silo and the mix tank for addition of fibers and return to the headbox.

Abstract: A method of making a cellulosic paper or paperboard by agitating an aqueous suspension of cellulose fibers until they become separated from each other and swollen. A sufficient amount of hydrocolloid is added to bind the water in the suspension such that no water will bleed out during a subsequent shaping. The mixture is kneaded until a homogeneous, plastically deformable mixture is formed. The mixture contains about 50-90% water, fibers in excess of about 8% and hydrocolloid in excess of about 1% by weight. The mixture is shaped by extrusion, rolling, pressing or drawing.

Abstract: An improved process for forming a non-woven fabric by wet-laying, on paper making equipment, staple length, synthetic fibers having a length to diameter ratio of about 400 to 3000, and an improved, non-woven fabric produced by the process. The process involves forming a stable, viscous, uniform, air-fiber-water dispersion by: adding the fibers to a high-shear agitated mixture of water and a dispersant to separate the fibers and to completely and uniformly distribute the individual fibers throughout the resulting, high-shear agitated, air, water and fiber mixture; and then, slowly adding a thixotropic thickener to the high-shear agitated mixture to form the viscous, air-fiber-water dispersion, having a nascent viscosity of about 10 to 125 cps., when measured at a shear rate of 30.5 sec..sup.-1, and in which the individual fibers are restrained from becoming entangled and from forming knits, bundles, and strings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composite, self-supporting, polyurethane foam sheet prepared by forming an aqueous dispersion of hydrophilic polyurethane foam particles with fibers to serve as a binder therefor, wet-layering the dispersion onto a supporting screen to form a sheet, and removing water from the sheet. If desired, a porous web, woven or non-woven, e.g. paper, cloth, etc., can be positioned on the screen with the dispersion being layered out onto the web to form a laminar composite structure. Whether in sheet form or as a laminar structure the product of the invention is formed rapidly and possesses a desirable soft or cushioning feel.

Abstract: A fiberboard is manufactured having relatively high density skins on a relatively low density core by including urea in at least the surface fibers of a consolidated mat, having a density of less than 35 pounds per cubic foot, and then hot-pressing the consolidated mat at a temperature of at least 525.degree. F. to form a board having high density surface skins.

Abstract: A photographic carrier material comprising a cellulose sheet which is coated on both surfaces with a polyolefin resin and in which hollow, thermoplastic microspheres are uniformly mixed therein in an amount of from 0.5 - 5.0 weight percent.

Abstract: A surfactant foaming agent added to a wet fibrous sheet just before initiation of vacuum water extraction forms foam within the sheet. The foam expels water from the sheet while increasing the resistance to vacuum. Water removal time is lengthened and the fractional amount of water removed by suction is increased. The reduced residual water provides a proportional decrease in drying time and drying energy.The addition of an anti-foaming agent with the surfactant reduces the water drainage time as compared to the normal case. This increases the drainage rate but does not increase the amount of water drained from the sheet.

Abstract: An improved process for forming a non-woven fabric by wet-laying, on paper making equipment, staple length, synthetic fibers having a length to diameter ratio of about 400 to 3000, and an improved, non-woven fabric produced by the process. The process involves forming a stable, viscous, uniform, air-fiber-water dispersion by: adding the fibers to a high-shear agitated mixture of water and a dispersant to separate the fibers and to completely and uniformly distribute the individual fibers throughout the resulting, high-shear agitated, air, water and fiber mixture; and then, slowly adding a thixotropic thickener to the high-shear agitated mixture to form the viscous, air-fiber-water dispersion, having a nascent viscosity of about 10 to 125 cps., when measured at a shear rate of 30.5 sec..sup.-1, and in which the individual fibers are restrained from becoming entangled and from forming knits, bundles, and strings.

Abstract: A method of producing textile-like non-woven essentially binderless webs from fiber furnishes at least about 70% of which comprise man made non-fibrillatable low denier fibers having no large area flat surfaces and which are at least about 1/4 inch in length with a length to diameter ratio of between about 400:1 and 700:1. The method includes a wet laying system in which sufficient wetting agent is added to the water used in dispersing the fibers to wet the fibers completely and reduce the surface tension of the water to between about 30-35 dynes. It also includes agitating the dispersion vigorously to create tumbling water surface conditions in which up to, but less than about 4% by volumeof air is entrained in the water in the form of tiny air bubbles to create a water/air emulsion in which the fibers are dispersed without generating any substantial amount of surface foam.

Abstract: A perlite insulation board is disclosed herein and includes, as conventional ingredients, expanded perlite, organic fiber and binder, the perlite, being the largest single ingredient, by dry weight, in the board. The insulation board also includes gypsum in an amount less than the perlite but preferably in an amount sufficient to form a gypsum matrix throughout the board. A method of making a perlite insulation board of the general type just described is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for continuously producing a dense board of cement-like material reinforced by glass fiber, which comprises (1) preparing a slurry of cement-like material; (2) simultaneously spraying the cement-like slurry and short lengths of glass fiber on a suction conveyor in such a manner that the cement-like slurry stream and the glass fiber stream intersect on the suction conveyor to form a dense mat of an intimate mixture of the two; and (3) dehydrating the mat by pulse-like intermittent suction using one or more suction boxes before the cement-like material begins to set, and to an apparatus used in carrying out the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method of making bulky non-woven fibrous material including cellulosic fibres and potentially crimped synthetic fibres, the improvement consisting of draining a layer of a foamed aqueous suspension of the fibres, drying the drained layer, and releasing the potential crimp in the synthetic fibres while supporting the layer substantially free from restraint against shrinkage.